[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 62 (Friday, April 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E693]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF JUDGE ROBERT M. FALASCO

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 27, 2012

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague Mr. Cardoza to 
honor the life and service of Judge Robert M. Falasco who passed away 
on March 30, 2012 at the age of 89. Judge Falasco was a true community 
treasure who served as a mentor, respected leader, and loyal friend. He 
touched the lives of many in the San Joaquin Valley. His legacy will 
live on through the numerous contributions he made to Central 
California, as well as his commitment to justice, fairness, and the 
law.
  Born in 1922 to Dominic and Theresa Falasco, Judge Falasco understood 
the value of public service early in his life. From 1943 to 1946, he 
served our nation in the United States Army Air Corps. He then went on 
to study at Santa Clara University School of Law in California, where 
he graduated in 1951 and was admitted to the California State Bar in 
1952. Judge Falasco was elected to the Merced County Justice Court in 
1958, where he served until 1977. He was then appointed to Merced 
County's Municipal Court, and finally to the Merced County Superior 
Court in 1982. He retired in 1985.
  During his distinguished career, Judge Falasco served the people of 
Central California admirably. He could always be relied upon to provide 
fair-minded and knowledgeable rulings. Through his leadership, Judge 
Falasco became a role model for his friends and neighbors. His 
compassion and concern for our community served as a testament to his 
extraordinary character. Judge Falasco not only fulfilled his judicial 
duties, he also worked for our Valley in a number of capacities. From 
1955 1958, he served as a trustee for the Los Banos Elementary School 
District. For 15 years, Judge Falasco was director of the Merced County 
Fair Board. He was also a member of the Board of Fellows for Santa 
Clara University, and played an active role in the building of Our Lady 
of Fatima Catholic School and Memorial Hospital in Los Banos.
  Recognizing his honesty and intelligence, as well as his incredible 
impact on the Valley, the Merced County courthouse in Los Banos was 
renamed the ``Merced County Robert M. Falasco Justice Center'' by the 
City of Los Banos in 2007.
  Judge Falasco was a devout Catholic and his good works were often 
inspired by his faith. In 1975, Pope Paul VI made him a Knight of St. 
Gregory for his civic and religious contributions.
  His innovative spirit was exemplified by his early support of the 
University of California, Merced. He cared deeply about the San Joaquin 
Valley and often looked for ways to improve and serve his community. 
Judge Falasco regarded this as one of the highest honors in his life.
  Judge Falasco led an extraordinary life filled with compassion, 
stewardship, and a deep appreciation for the law. He is survived by his 
loving wife of 63 years, Yvonne; four children, Michael, Joan, Anne, 
and Sally; two sons-in-law; one daughter-in-law; and 11 grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, we ask our colleagues to join us in honoring the life 
and outstanding service of the honorable Robert M. Falasco, a beloved 
leader and admired scholar.

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