[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 22, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1168]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING MR. LOU VIVERITO, A DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVANT FOR 42 YEARS
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HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI
of illinois
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a public servant and
a good friend, Lou Viverito. After 16 years of service in the Illinois
State Senate, Mayor Brady and the citizens of Bedford Park will name
73rd Street at Central Avenue after Mr. Viverito. Such an honor is an
appropriate recognition for a champion for his constituents, as Mr.
Viverito has been for the last 42 years.
After serving bravely in the Korean War and receiving multiple
decorations, Mr. Viverito began his political career in 1965. He was
elected as Stickney Township Democratic Committeeman in 1970 and
quickly stood out as a force in local politics. Since 1973, Mr.
Viverito has served as President of Stickney's Public Health District
where he has made some of his greatest contributions. Thousands of
people receive health care through Stickney's high quality facilities
every year. As a landmark of his life's work, a brand new clinic,
completely paid for, will open later this month in large part due to
the efforts of Mr. Viverito.
In 1994, he was elected as an Illinois State Senator and served until
his retirement this year. Mr. Viverito's distinguished career in the
Illinois State Senate was characterized by dedicated service and
several honorable distinctions. He served as Minority Whip for the
Senate Democratic Caucus and as Assistant Majority Leader and was a
leader on healthcare issues in Illinois for years.
Beyond his service in Illinois' legislative body, Mr. Viverito has
held several other public positions, including Stickney Township
Supervisor, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Sanitary District of
Greater Chicago, and Member of the Cook County Zoning Board of Appeals.
Mr. Viverito is well-known in Chicago due to his civic participation,
and his work ethic and infectious smile have made him a beloved member
of the Chicago community. He resides with his wife, Carolyn, in the
City of Burbank. He also has three grown children and five grandsons.
At tomorrow's ceremony, Mayor Brady of Bedford Park will properly
honor Mr. Viverito by renaming a street and holding a reception for
him. Please join me in honoring Mr. Viverito as a public servant whose
deeds will be remembered for years to come throughout Chicago and
Illinois. May he enjoy tomorrow's ceremony in his honor and may he
enjoy a long and fulfilling retirement.
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