[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 37 (Wednesday, March 7, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E326]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            MR. FRED DeSANTO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 7, 2012

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Mr. Fred DeSanto, who will 
be recognized as the 2011 recipient of the Joseph F. Saporito Lifetime 
of Service Award presented by the Pittston Dispatch in Pittston, 
Pennsylvania. Mr. DeSanto's selfless dedication to the service of 
others makes him the ideal recipient of an award that highlights the 
legacy of a truly great individual, Joseph F. Saporito.
  Mr. DeSanto has dedicated countless hours over four decades to Little 
League Baseball, providing our youth with a healthy, safe, and 
enjoyable summer pastime. Mr. DeSanto built the Pittston Township 
Little League from the ground up, beginning his decades of service at 
the age of 24.
  Mr. DeSanto, along with 12 to 15 other men, formed the league in 1975 
with a vision and passion for service; without one cent of grant money. 
Each year, he and other volunteers signed for a $15,000 bank loan to 
improve the league. Additionally, 11 years after its founding, the 
Pittston Township Little League was selected to host Pennsylvania's 
all-star tournament.
  In 1995, District 31 recognized Mr. DeSanto's hard work by naming him 
District 31 Administrator. Under his leadership, District 31 
established stronger rules and regulations that enhanced the safety of 
our youth. Furthermore, Mr. DeSanto advocated for background checks for 
league volunteers, and he created a GPS program so 9 1 1 centers had 
the exact latitude and longitude of all 131 fields within the district.
  Mr. Speaker, by founding the Pittston Township Little League, Fred 
DeSanto created and worked to improve a place of fun, health, and 
camaraderie for the youth in Pennsylvania's 11th District. Mr. DeSanto 
is to be commended for his 37 years of service to our community.

                          ____________________