[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 93 (Monday, June 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN RECOGNITION OF MRS. NANCY PIRONE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEVEN R. ROTHMAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 21, 2010

  Mr. ROTHMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Nancy 
Maria Grassano Pirone, an extraordinary resident of New Jersey's Ninth 
District, in celebration of her 90th birthday on June 21, 2010. Born in 
Matera, Italy, Mrs. Pirone immigrated to New York City with her family 
when she was only 11 months old. In 1941, she married her husband, 
Carmine, and 3 years later, their daughter Esther was born. In 1953, 
they moved to Leonia, NJ, where Mrs. Pirone has lived ever since.
  From the beginning of their time in Leonia, Mrs. Pirone and her 
husband established themselves as active and devoted members of the 
community, becoming involved with the St. John's Altar Society, the 
Women's Club of Leonia, the American Legion, Leonia's annual Memorial 
Day Parade, and many other groups and events. Because Esther had Down 
syndrome, the Pirones were active volunteers with The Arc of Bergen and 
Passaic Counties. They helped organize The Arc's ``Camp Rainbow,'' a 
special needs summer camp that was constructed at a time when only 
minimal services were provided for children like Esther.
  Mrs. Pirone is also widely known in Leonia for her 28 years as a 
crossing guard, having served longer than any other crossing guard in 
the borough. She retired 2 years before her 30th anniversary to care 
for Carmine during his battle with cancer. Mrs. Pirone has lived 
through the passing of both her husband and her daughter, Esther, a 
mere 3 years apart, yet she still remains a warm and positive influence 
on everyone she meets.
  I am proud to have such a kind-hearted and generous individual as 
Nancy Maria Grassano Pirone as part of my constituency and I am 
grateful for her many years of service to the Borough of Leonia, New 
Jersey.
  Madam Speaker, today I would like to wish Mrs. Nancy Pirone a happy 
90th birthday and continued good health and happiness!

                          ____________________