[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 26 (Wednesday, February 12, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Pages S944-S945]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                REMEMBERING MICHAEL ANGELO OLIVERIO, SR.

 Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life of 
a dear friend and a remarkable West Virginian who was taken from us on 
February 5, 2014. Michael Angelo Oliverio, Sr. was a dedicated public 
servant, an inspiring educator and a passionate civic leader who was 
respected and admired by all who knew him. He led an extraordinary life 
that will always be remembered in the hearts of the countless 
individuals whose lives he touched.
  The son of an Italian immigrant shepherd, Mike was born and raised in 
the town of Carolina in Marion County, just a few miles down the road 
from my hometown of Farmington. Like many other families in North 
Central West Virginia, our families' ancestors both originated from the 
same town in

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Italy, San Giovanni in Fiore. Our shared heritage was truly a special 
aspect of our family friendship.
  Mike lived a life of unprecedented success both professionally and 
personally. He graduated from Monongah High School, Fairmont State 
College, West Virginia University, and also received postgraduate 
education from the University of Virginia, College of St. Thomas, 
Minnesota, and George Washington University.
  He was a tireless advocate for the disabled community, which was 
recognized not only in West Virginia but on a national level. As the 
president of the National Rehabilitation Counseling Association and 
also president of the National Rehabilitation Association International 
Advocacy Group for Persons with Disabilities, he met with Congress and 
Presidents Carter and Ford to promote laws for persons with 
disabilities.
  With a heart of gold, Mike passionately served his community, his 
State and his country. He served for more than 10 years as the 
Monongalia County clerk, served as chairman of the Community Advisory 
Committee, and vice chairman on the national board of the American 
Heart Association.
  Genuinely committed to improving the lives of all West Virginians, 
Mike helped start the Kennedy Correctional Center and founded the 
Ronald McDonald House. He also designed and facilitated the building of 
a memorial honoring fathers and President John F. Kennedy in Star City 
called ``A Father's Love.''
  Additionally, he served as chairman of the Fairmont State University 
Board of Advisors, the Klingberg Development Center Advisory Committee, 
North Central West Virginia Goodwill Board, People Aware of Children 
Exceptional (PACE), West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival, and St. 
Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
  During his life, Mike received many awards for his incredible works--
of which he was most proud, Mike received the National Nathan Hale 
Award for Patriotism and the F. Ray Power Award for Administration 
State Director Internationally.
  Promoting his family's cultural history and Italian heritage was one 
of Mike's greatest passions. He made West Virginia and Calabria, Italy, 
sister states and conducted the twinning process joining Clarksburg and 
San Giovanni in Fiori, Italy. He also initiated an exchange program 
with students from the University of Calabria and Fairmont State 
University. He was rightly awarded the International Award for 
Achievement and Humanity in Rome, Italy.
  Mike took many trips to Italy throughout his life, but there was one 
trip in particular I know he cherished most. Dubbed ``The Oliverio Boys 
Tour,'' Mike traveled to the homeland in 2009 with his three sons, Joe, 
Mike, and Frank; his brother, John; and his cousins, Jason, Maryn, and 
Nate.
  During the trip they were blessed to spend time with relatives and 
friends in the region and experience the authentic Italian traditions, 
passion and food. As they walked the streets, natives knew the 
Americans were in town and that Mike Oliverio had brought his family. 
They were hosted by many of Mike's second and third cousins, including 
Mario Oliverio, who had recently been elected President of the Region. 
It was very important to him to travel around Italy together as a 
family and to explore their roots. I know it was a special memory he 
held close to his heart.
  Mike was not only reputable and accomplished in his public life, but 
he was also an unparalleled example of a dedicated family man--a 
devoted husband, a proud father, and a wonderful grandfather. Much of 
his success he credited to his late wife, Julia, who supported him in 
all of his endeavors. His children are accomplished and respected 
throughout our state.
  I will never forget a special dinner my wife, Gayle, and I shared at 
the Governor's Mansion in 2007 with Mike, Julia, and their family--Joe, 
Paula, Alyssa, Mary, Christina, Maria, Mike, Melissa, Frank, Amy, 
Julia, Aunt Teresa Gabriele, and a family friend, Jessica Faulkenberry. 
It was just two weeks before Julia lost her life to ovarian cancer and 
we were celebrating her birthday. I remember being touched by the love 
shared within their family and the strength they had in one another. 
You see, the Oliverios personify the power of families--working hard, 
supporting one another, and standing together when times get tough.
  Anyone who knew Mike Oliverio can tell about his incredible ability 
to inspire each person he encountered to live a life of purpose. 
Personally, I have lost a dear friend and mentor. And although he will 
be forever remembered for his many years of service, he will also be 
remembered as a loving father, grandfather, and friend. He was truly a 
local legend in our State, and though he will be greatly missed, his 
legacy will always live on.

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