[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 88 (Monday, June 20, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1132]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING ALFRED E. ZAMPELLA FOR HIS LIFELONG DEDICATION TO JERSEY CITY

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                         HON. STEVEN R. ROTHMAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 20, 2011

  Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my 
good friend and constituent, Alfred E. Zampella, for his unwavering 
commitment to education and activism in Jersey City, New Jersey.
  Al Zampella was born in Jersey City on February 8, 1923 and has lived 
there ever since. As the youngest of five boys in an iconic Jersey City 
family, Al and the Zampella brothers each grew to make significant 
contributions to their community in their respective fields. Al's 
lifelong service to his community and his country began during World 
War II; Al served as a Lieutenant and saw sea combat in the Asian 
Pacific Theater of Operations. The State of New Jersey recognized Al 
for his heroism and bravery by awarding him the Distinguished Service 
Medal. He earned his bachelor's degree from Seton Hall University in 
South Orange, New Jersey, and a master's in Education Administration 
and Supervision from New York University--right across the Hudson River 
from his hometown of Jersey City.
  Al went on to serve as principal of Jersey City Public School No. 27, 
shaping the lives of students and teachers as he worked to keep kids in 
school and engaged in their own education. He was a great support to 
his fellow educators, motivating them and working together to make P.S. 
27 a solid foundation for the future success of its students. After 
many years of devoted service, Al retired in 1990. Only several years 
later--on November 7, 1996--P.S. 27 honored its beloved former 
principal by unveiling its new name: Alfred E. Zampella Public School 
No. 27. The school continues to be a highly regarded educational 
institution, having received many prestigious honors and awards in 
recognition of its success. This year's graduating eighth grade class 
held a ceremony to present Al with a gift: the unveiling of a beautiful 
new sign for the Alfred E. Zampella Public School, recognizing his 
dedicated community involvement.
  Although he retired from P.S. 27 over 20 years ago, Al remains an 
active contributor to his community, serving as a member on many boards 
and organizations in North Jersey. In 2009, Al received the Jersey City 
Heights Legend Award, recognizing his tireless community involvement, 
which continues today. As my Hudson County Community Outreach Director 
for the past 12 years, Al serves the people of Jersey City diligently 
and with enthusiasm. I am very fortunate to have such an experienced 
and well-regarded individual on my staff; Al is a great role model for 
young people with a passion for serving others. And, despite his 
remarkable career in public service and the numerous accolades he has 
received for it, Al's proudest accomplishment is his beautiful family. 
Together with his wife Jaclyn, the Zampellas have three talented and 
successful sons: Edward, Walter, and Gary. They have been blessed with 
six grandchildren: Bailey, Evan, Lauren, Matthew, Francesca, and 
Juliana, each of whom is an endless source of joy for their proud 
grandparents.
  Mr. Speaker, today I have the privilege of recognizing my good friend 
Alfred Zampella for his exceptional devotion to Jersey City, Hudson 
County, and Northern New Jersey at large. Al has shaped Jersey City 
indelibly, working for decades to improve his community and making a 
memorable impression on everyone he meets. My most sincere appreciation 
and very best wishes go to Al Zampella and his loving family, and I 
thank him for a lifetime of serving his community.

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