[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 108 (Wednesday, July 18, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1274-E1275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF FRANK M. TOSTE, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 18, 2012

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of 
Mr. Frank M. Toste Sr., a respected dairyman and community leader, who 
passed away on Thursday, July 12, 2012. His dedication to family and 
farming made him a true source of pride for California's San Joaquin 
Valley and our nation.
  A proud product of California's agriculturally rich San Joaquin 
Valley, Frank was born in Riverdale, California on January 26, 1921 to 
Mary Carreiro and Joseph Toste, who were Portuguese immigrants from the 
Azore Islands. He attended Valley schools and developed a love and 
appreciation for the San Joaquin Valley. Mary and Joseph instilled a 
sense of responsibility and dependability in Frank early in his life. 
As a young boy Frank worked on his family's small dairy in Kerman, 
California, where he learned the value of hard work. Years later, those 
same values would encourage Frank to serve his nation in the United 
States Army during World War II. He served in Northern Africa, Italy, 
France, and Germany. During his service he achieved the rank of Staff 
Sergeant.
  Upon returning home, Frank met and married the love of his life, Iva 
Jean Heitz. Together, they started their own business, the Hillview 
Dairy Farm near Easton, California. His passion and enthusiasm for 
farming, combined with his skills and work ethic, made him a very 
successful farmer and dairyman. Frank loved what he did and passed on 
the gift of farming to younger generations in his family.
  Frank's contributions to his community went beyond his exceptional 
farming abilities. He was active in many organizations including the 
Knights of Columbus, the Cabrillo Civic Club, the Veterans of Foreign 
Wars, Farm Bureau, and the Dairy Herd Improvement Association. His 
participation and admirable service to his community made him a 
valuable leader and respected voice on important Valley issues. He will 
be sorely missed.
  Frank is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Iva; his sons, 
Frank Toste Jr., Ron Toste, and Scott Toste; his grandsons, Frank Toste 
III, Jason Toste, Jacob Toste; his granddaughters, Marlene Borges, 
Anneka Anderson, and Roni Aust; five great-grandsons; two great-
granddaughters; his brother Willie Toste; and many nieces and nephews.

[[Page E1275]]

  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the 
life of Mr. Frank M. Toste Sr. His character truly exemplified the best 
of what America has to offer. His many contributions to agriculture and 
unwavering commitment to his loved ones will ensure that his legacy 
lives on for years to come.

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