[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 151 (Thursday, November 18, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1963]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    TRIBUTE TO DEL PAPA DISTRIBUTING

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON PAUL

                               of texass

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 2010

  Mr. PAUL. Madam Speaker, this month Del Papa Distributing Company is 
celebrating its 100th anniversary. I am pleased to extend my 
congratulations to the owners and employees of the Del Papa 
Distributing Company.
  The Del Papa Distributing Company originated in 1910 as a wholesaler 
grocery and wine business called Celli and Del Papa in Galveston, 
Texas. The grocery store was founded by two Italian immigrants, Frank 
Celli and Omro Del Papa, Sr. Misters Celli and Del Papa ran the 
business until Mr. Del Papa returned to Italy in 1920. Mr. Del Papa 
retained his business and real estate interests in Galveston and he 
returned to Texas in 1930. Upon his return, Mr. Del Papa established 
the 0. Del Papa Commission Company, and became a distributor for the 
Anheuser-Busch company. Since the United States was still under 
Prohibition at that time, the Del Papa Commission Company distributed 
baker's yeast, olive oil, and ginger ale. When prohibition ended, the 
Del Papa Distributing Company began distributing beer. In the early 
1960s the company's name was changed to The Del Papa Distributing 
Company.
  The Del Papa Distributing Company has always been a family business. 
Over the years, all of Mr. Del Papa's sons have worked in the business, 
including the current chairman of the board, Lawrence J. Del Papa, Sr., 
who first worked for the company in 1939 as a delivery man. Today, 
Omero Del Papa's grandson, Larry Del Papa, Jr., serves as President of 
the company, a position he has held since 1988.
  The Del Papa Disturbing Company has come a long way since Frank Celli 
and Omro Del Papa opened their small grocery store in Galveston. Today, 
the company has major distribution centers in Galveston, Beaumont, and 
Victoria, over 2,700 retail accounts covering 17 counties, and 350 
employees distributing over 350 beer brands. There is even a street 
named for the company at the intersection of Business 59 and Del Papa 
Street in Galveston.
  The Del Papa Distributing Company has survived major hurricanes, two 
world wars, and the 1947 explosion in Texas City, which is the worst 
man-made disaster in American history. Every time their community has 
faced a challenge, the owners and employees of Del Papa Distributing 
Company stepped up to help their fellow citizens. Everyone at the Del 
Papa Distributing Company takes great pride in their tradition of civic 
and charitable involvement. The Del Papa Distributing Company has 
initiated and assisted with many community service activities from 
blood drives to military programs to disaster relief. The Del Papa 
Distributing Company also donates to CASA, Children's Advocacy Center, 
and The Arts of Victoria, created a GI Joe/GI Jane holiday care package 
project to support the troops who must spend the holidays overseas away 
from their families. The Del Papa Distributing Company has also been a 
major contributor to the fundraising efforts of numerous wildlife 
organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, Coastal Conservation Association 
and the Rocky Mountain Elks organization. The Del Papa Distributing 
Company has also participated in the Keep Texas Beautiful Campaigns.
  The Del Papa Distributing Company is also a co-founder of the 
Galveston Black Heritage foundation and a supporter of the League of 
United Latin American Citizens, LULAC. The Del Papa Distributing 
Company also partners with Anheuser-Busch to promote responsible 
consumption of alcoholic beverages through the ``Responsibility 
Matters'' program.
  Madam Speaker, anyone familiar with Del Papa Distributing Company's 
history of civic involvement should hardly be surprised that the 
company kicked off its 100th anniversary celebrations with the 
announcement that it would endow scholarships to 13 community and four-
year colleges located through the 17 counties they service.
  The Del Papa Distributing Company is truly a great Texan and American 
success story and the company's long history of civic and charitable 
involvement should serve as inspiration to all. It is therefore my 
pleasure to once again extend my congratulations and best wishes to the 
owners and employees of the Del Papa Distributing Company on the 
occasion of their 100th anniversary.

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