[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 133 (Friday, October 5, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1681]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           JOSEPH D. CERULLO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 5, 2012

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Joseph D. Cerullo 
who received the Outstanding Italian American of 2012 award from the 
Hazleton Chapter of UNICO National. Founded on October 10, 1992, UNICO 
National is the largest Italian-American service organization in the 
United States.
  As a native of Hazleton, I have known Joe and his family for many 
years. Joe graduated from Hazleton Senior High School in 1965 and 
started working at PPL Co. at the Hauto Steam Electric Station. Not 
long after, Joe decided to dedicate his life to the safety of our great 
Nation by enlisting in the U.S. Navy. His naval career took him many 
places including San Francisco, CA; Key West, FL; and even Cuba. In 
June of 1970, Joe was honorably discharged from the Navy and returned 
to Pennsylvania.
  Joe knows what it takes to run a successful business. In 1978, along 
with three other individuals, he cofounded Micrographics International, 
Inc. In 2003, Joe's partners at IMF offered him an opportunity of a 
lifetime--a buyout. This allowed him to retire young and spend more 
time with his family and friends, most importantly, his grandchildren, 
Julian and Gianna.
  In addition to his work as a small business owner, Joe has always 
been committed to community service for the betterment of Hazleton, the 
Commonwealth, and our country. Joe has served as the elected president 
and devoted his time to several local clubs such as Mountain City 
Lions, Kiwanis Club of Hazleton, Valley Country Club, and the Hazleton 
Chapter of UNICO. Currently, he serves as the District Director (PA-1) 
of UNICO National and is a member of the Board of Trustees for UNICO 
National.
  Overall, it is an honor to recognize Joe and his involvement in an 
organization that has given so much back to the community. I have had 
the esteemed privilege of attending many UNICO events in my 
congressional district, including pig roasts and charity events. I look 
forward to seeing how Joe will make a positive mark on Italian-
Americans across the Nation and, specifically, those of the 11th 
District of Pennsylvania.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend Joseph D. Cerullo for his years of committed 
service to the Hazleton Chapter of UNICO National and his readiness to 
serve the needs of Italian-Americans across our Nation and in 
Northeastern Pennsylvania.

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