[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 17 (Wednesday, January 29, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF STEVE PILIBOS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 29, 2014

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Steve 
Pilibos who lived a long and fulfilling life of 102 years. Steve was a 
pillar in the community, and his support, dedication, and commitment to 
the success of the Central Valley region will be greatly missed.
  Steve grew up in Fresno, California and was the youngest of six 
children. His parents, Yeprem and Mary, were first generation 
immigrants from the Ottoman Empire. Growing up in an immigrant family 
with five siblings, Steve quickly developed fundamental values and 
principles. Most everyone would agree that Steve was an extremely 
courteous and fair businessman. He understood the importance of 
treating others with respect, compassion, and consideration.
  From a young age, Steve recognized the significance of hard work. As 
an adolescent, Steve would sell produce to local businesses before 
school each day. Prior to Steve becoming a successful entrepreneur, he 
earned degrees in philosophy and poetry from Fresno State College, and 
he continued his education at the University of Southern California 
where he earned his law degree.
  In the 1950s, Steve and his older brother, Alex, began what would 
soon become one of the largest cantaloupe operations in California. 
They experimented with new varieties of melon seeds from Syria, and 
ultimately produced a sweet melon with a thinner rind and smaller seed 
cavity that quickly became popular.
  In addition to his contributions to the agriculture industry, Steve 
worked tirelessly to redevelop the City of Fresno's downtown. He opened 
the Hilton Hotel in the heart of downtown. Steve hosted many famous 
singers and bands, and it was a place where people wanted to be. Steve 
made many investments in downtown Fresno, but he also established 
developments throughout the entire city.
  In 1949, Steve married the love of his life, Lucille. They raised 
five children: Sarah, Catherine, Barbara, Mary, and Alex. Steve valued 
spending time with his family and enjoyed reciting poetry to his 
children. He had a love for the outdoors and would spend his free time 
hunting or horseback riding. Steve's children, six grandchildren, 
relatives, and friends have an outstanding role model that they will 
hold in their hearts forever.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the 
House of Representatives to honor the life of Steve Pilibos. His 
presence will be greatly missed, but his legacy will surely live on in 
the City of Fresno.

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