[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 38 (Monday, March 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E478]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING ELLIOT L. LUONI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 14, 2011

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the centennial of 
Elliot L. Luoni of Massachusetts. Elliot celebrates his 100th birthday 
today, March 14.
  An avid musician and former professional drummer, Elliot has 
entertained young and old on cruise ships across the Atlantic. His 
sharp talent has given him a place in history; he has performed with 
the likes of Tommy Dorsey and Frank Sinatra.
  A hero of his community, he was present at the infamous Cocoanut 
Grove nightclub in Boston, Massachusetts on November 28, 1942 when 
disaster struck. Tragically, 492 people lost their lives in a building 
fire that night--many of them young soldiers celebrating a night off 
duty. Without hesitation, Elliot organized transportation for the 
injured to the nearest hospital. The families of the Cocoanut Grove 
fire survivors have Elliot to thank for his selflessness.
  No one appreciates Elliot more than his three children, nine 
grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren--sweet reminders of his 
fifty-five year marriage to the lovely Elsa Luoni.
  I extend my happiest wishes to Elliot on his 100th birthday, and I 
wish him the best of health and happiness in many more to come.

                          ____________________