[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 148 (Monday, November 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1886]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       TRIBUTE TO RALPH J. GOLZIO

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 15, 2010

  Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to bring your attention to 
the extraordinary life of Mr. Ralph J. Golzio. A lifetime resident of 
New Jersey's Eighth Congressional District, Mr. Golzio celebrates the 
milestone of his 101st birthday on October 20, 2010. The Italian-
American community recognized Mr. Golzio by holding a dinner in his 
honor on October 17, 2010.
  Ralph Golzio was born to Italian-American parents John and Caroline 
Golzio on October 20, 1909, in my hometown of Paterson, New Jersey. In 
1928, his family moved to a larger property in Wayne, New Jersey, where 
his mother opened the family home to boarders to help make ends meet. 
Ralph worked at the house, waiting on patrons and hunting to provide 
food. These experiences inspired in him a lifelong passion for the 
outdoors.
  In 1929, Ralph enrolled at Stevens Institute of Technology. While 
there, he briefly played lacrosse and baseball for his school before 
graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1932. He returned 
to Stevens in 1937 for graduate work in ballistics and internal 
combustion engines. Ralph went on to found Engineering Associates in 
1947, enjoying a long and distinguished career as a consulting engineer 
until his retirement at the age of 78 in 1987.
  Ralph's intellectual curiosity persists to this day, as he continues 
to study nuclear physics, quantum physics, and astronomy in his spare 
time.
  As a Project Engineer at Wrights Aeronautical Company, Ralph met and 
married his beloved wife Betty. Ralph and Betty shared many interests 
and passions together, raising two wonderful daughters in Totowa, New 
Jersey, where Ralph resides to this day. Ralph and Betty shared 43 
happy years together before her passing in 1984.
  Ralph has always maintained a sunny outlook and an active lifestyle, 
truly living up to his motto of ``play as hard as you work to achieve 
balance of mind and spirit.'' His many hobbies have included hiking, 
climbing, hunting, archery, skeet shooting, speed skating, and snow 
shoeing. More recently, he cruised through the Caribbean at the age of 
92.
  The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is 
rewarding; however, I especially appreciate learning about and 
recognizing individuals like Ralph J. Golzio.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Ralph's family and 
friends, and the Italian-American community in honoring Mr. Ralph J. 
Golzio on the occasion of his 101st birthday. His story should be an 
inspiration for all Americans to live life to the fullest, and he 
continues to serve as a source of pride and admiration for those who 
have been touched by him.

                          ____________________