[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 144 (Tuesday, November 13, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1742]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN REMEMBRANCE OF JERRY A. VITTARDI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 13, 2012

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
Jerry A Vittardi.
  Jerry was born on January 18, 1925 to Matio and Anna Vittardi. He was 
a World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Jerry was 
married to his wife, Marianne, for 60 years and they had six children 
together: Richard, Renee, Gerianne, Marty, Mickey and Ed. Jerry and 
Marianne raised their family in Parma, a city in which they would 
remain and where he began a lifetime of public service.
  In 1960, he was elected to the Parma City Council to represent Ward 
2, serving as a councilman for 5 years. While serving the City of 
Parma, he gained a reputation as a trustworthy partner for others who 
were running for seats within the Democratic Party. He campaigned for 
Governor Richard Celeste, Senator Howard Metenzbaum, Congressman Ron 
Mottl, Attorney General Lee Fisher, Parma Mayor Michael Ries, for his 
son Councilman Martin Vittardi and for myself.
  Jerry's dedication to public service continued throughout his life. 
In addition to serving as a Democratic Ward leader and Democratic 
Precinct Committeeman, he served as an electrical inspector for the 
City of Parma for 2 years from 1958-1960, and later served as a 
building inspector for the city from 1967-1980. From 1980 through the 
late 1990s, he worked for the State of Ohio, Ohio Lottery as a field 
representative. Heavily involved in the community, Jerry was also a 
member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Cleveland and coached local 
baseball and softball teams. He strongly supported the local sports 
teams and loved watching the Cleveland Indians and the Cleveland 
Browns.
  Jerry is survived by his children and 13 grandchildren: Joy, Greg, 
Amy, Vincent, Kristen, Jamie, Allison, Jessica, Mark, Leah, Michael, 
Holly and Eric. In addition, he was a beloved great-grandfather to 17. 
He had a very special place in his heart for his great-grandchildren 
baby Jack and baby Blake.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in remembrance of Jerry A. 
Vittardi. May his life of public service and his role as a loving 
husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather serve as an example 
to us all.

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