[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING JOSEPH J. VINCI, SR., ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 29, 2012

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to join family, friends, and the City of Middletown in honoring one of 
its most outstanding community members, Joseph J. Vinci, Sr. as he 
celebrates his 100th birthday--a remarkable milestone for this 
extraordinary citizen.
  A lifelong Middletown resident, J.J., as he is affectionately known, 
married his wife, Mary, in November of 1934. Together, they not only 
raised three wonderful children, Joseph J. Jr., Robert, and Rosemarie, 
they also opened and ran the family business, J.J. Vinci Oil. The home 
heating oil business is not the easiest of businesses to run, but J.J. 
and Mary worked hard every day to build the business and provide for 
their family. For more than seven decades, J.J. Vinci Oil has been a 
staple in the Middletown business community and its success over the 
years has been because of the dedication of its founder, J.J., who at 
100 years young can still be found in the office every day.
  J.J. has not only been an outstanding business leader, but an 
exemplary civic leader as well. He has always understood that his 
community is only as strong as those who give back to it. Throughout 
his life, J.J. has devoted countless hours to a variety of local 
service organizations. The myriad of awards and commendations which 
have been bestowed on him are testament to his unparalleled efforts on 
behalf of the community. He is a charter member of the New England 
Association of Fire Marshals, Connecticut Chiefs of Police Association, 
twenty-five year charter member of the Connecticut Independent Oil 
Men's Association, life member of the State of Connecticut 100 Club, 
one of the original founders of the Middletown Italian-American Civic 
Order, twenty-five year Chairman of the St. Sebastian Cadillac 
Committee, member of the St. Sebastian Renovation Committee, lifetime 
member of the Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks, Moose Club, and 
Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree, to name but a few. Through his work 
with each of these organizations, J.J. has made a difference in the 
lives of others and has enriched the community.
  Marking decades of hard work, this birthday celebration reflects 
J.J.'s extraordinary resilience and strength of spirit. Over the course 
of his life, he has not only witnessed remarkable changes and 
tremendous progress he has helped to shape the very character of the 
City of Middletown. It is with my warmest regards that I join his 
children, Joseph Jr., Robert, and Rosemarie, his grandson, Michael, and 
his great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Lauren, and Christian in extending 
my heartfelt congratulations to Joseph J. Vinci, Sr. as he celebrates 
his 100th birthday. Happy birthday J.J.! My very best wishes for many 
more years of health and happiness.

                          ____________________