[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 123 (Friday, August 12, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1519]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF ROCCO J. COLONNA

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 12, 2011

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Rocco J. Colonna 
on the occasion of his passing.
  Rocco ``Rocky'' Colonna was an Ohio state legislator. He served from 
1975 to 1998 in the Ohio General Assembly in the House of 
Representatives. During that tenure, he served as the chairman of the 
House Economic Development and Small Business Committee. In 1998, he 
was appointed by former Governor George Voinovich to serve on the 
Liquor Board for the State of Ohio as Commissioner. Additionally, he 
was a councilman for the City of Brook Park.
  In all that he did, Mr. Colonna made sure that he treated everyone 
around him with dignity and respect. He is remembered by colleagues for 
always having a joke ready and was universally liked in the House, an 
accomplishment.
  Aside from his political career, Rocco was a veteran of the Korean 
War, having served in the United States Navy. Additionally, he was 
married for 54 years to Shirley (nee Meyer). Surviving Rocky are his 
brother Vito; his children, Tina Montagino and Lavaine Cates; his son 
Danny, who followed his father into politics and is currently a city 
councilman in Brook Park; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Mr. Rocco J. 
Colonna, a man whose unending duty to the State of Ohio and to this 
great nation is something to which we should all aspire.

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