[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 28 (Monday, February 28, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JULIE TATTI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 28, 2011

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention the 
deeds of an outstanding American, Julie Tatti, who will be recognized 
on Monday, February 28, 2011, by the Department for Persons with 
Disabilities (DPD) for her many years of dedicated service to her 
community. She will be retiring from the role of Executive Director, 
but she has another important distinction--having been with the DPD for 
nearly 40 years, she is also its longest tenured staff member.
  It is only fitting that she be honored in this, the permanent record 
of the greatest democracy ever known, for she has brought joy and 
comfort to many others through her efforts.
  Julie was born on April 8, 1948 in Jersey City, to Catharine and 
Stephen Feehan. She grew up in Bergenfield, NJ and graduated from St. 
John's Elementary School and the Academy of the Holy Angels. She 
continued her education, going on to earn a bachelors' degree from the 
College of St. Elizabeth and a Masters' degree in Special Education 
from William Paterson University.
  She began her service at the Department for Persons with Disabilities 
nearly four decades ago, working as a counselor and lifeguard at Camp 
Alexander, the agency's summer camp for the disabled, and then, in 
1973, as the coordinator of Special Religious Education. She was 
responsible for organizing religious education programs for children 
and adults with disabilities. She went on to become the Director of 
Wayne House, the second home operated by the DPD.
  As the agency grew, Julie transitioned into an administrative role, 
serving as Associate Executive Director until December 1, 2007 when she 
was appointed Executive Director. For Julie though, this has not just 
been a career, but a ministry that has allowed her to achieve spiritual 
growth and fulfillment through her faith.
  Julie has been a dedicated leader and an inspiration to all of the 
DPD staff members and residents. Julie has truly led by example and has 
been an active volunteer within the agency for years. She is always 
there with a helping hand and an ability to assist all involved in the 
DPD. The agency's programs, as well as the residents and her co-
workers, have all thrived under her guidance and through her efforts.
  Julie Tatti will always be an important part of the DPD family and 
her loving impact will always be felt by all who live and work there. 
Although she is leaving her position as Executive Director, I know her 
commitment will continue and that she looks forward to having more time 
to spend with her husband Lou Tatti (who she met in 1972 while working 
at Camp Alexander), and family, including the residents for whom she 
cares so much.
  The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to working with and recognizing the 
efforts of dedicated community servants like Julie Tatti.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, the Department for 
Persons with Disabilities, all of its' residents and volunteers, 
Julie's family and friends, and me in recognizing Julie Tatti's 
outstanding service to her community.

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