[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 55 (Thursday, April 16, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E512-E513]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           RICHARD SPONZILLI

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 16, 2015

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Richard 
Sponzilli who, after 30 years of support and service to his local 
community will be honored as the recipient of the prestigious Dean 
McNulty Award this Sunday, April 19, 2015 at the 15th Annual Dean 
McNulty Dinner in Paterson, NJ.
  Born and raised in the Stony Road neighborhood of Paterson, Mr. 
Sponzilli attended St. Bonaventure High School. At the young age of 
eighteen, he was drafted to Vietnam. During his military service he 
demonstrated remarkable courage and dedication to serving his country.
  Upon his return, he enrolled at Pace University for two years, and 
then transferred to William Paterson to complete his degree in 
elementary education. While attending college, Mr. Sponzilli worked 
part-time cutting grass and during his senior year decided to start a 
landscaping business of his own. Not expecting his small business to 
grow, Mr. Sponzilli decided to enroll in a Master's Degree program at 
William Paterson University to pursue a career as a school guidance 
counselor.
  After completing his Master's Degree, Mr. Sponzilli was unsure about 
leaving his business to pursue a career as a guidance counselor. After 
compliments from clients and advice from a friend, he decided to focus 
on his landscaping business. At the age of 28, Mr. Sponzilli had 
finally saved enough money to purchase his first office building in 
Totowa, NJ and since then he has expanded his business to what is now 
one of the industry's premier landscape design firms.
  In addition to being a successful businessman, Mr. Sponzilli has 
coached and been involved with many sports programs, beginning with the 
Hillcrest Boys Club, serving as Head Coach of the Manchester Regional 
High School boys' basketball team, and football programs at the Totowa 
Police Athletic League.
  Mr. Sponzilli continues to dedicate his efforts towards bettering his 
community and exhibits the qualities of an individual we all strive to 
be. He currently works with many organizations including Landscape 
Initiative, Morris Catholic High School, Sisters of the Poor Charity, 
and also finds time to operate basketball camps for children.
  Mr. Sponzilli has been recognized for his philanthropic efforts both 
within his community and outside. Because of these efforts, he was 
named the Italian American Man of the Year, National Kid Construction 
Club Man of the Year, was inducted into the Totowa Police Athletic 
League Wall of Fame, and was most recently awarded the William Paterson 
University Legacy Award. The Dean McNulty Award

[[Page E513]]

is yet another prestigious recognition of the outstanding work of Mr. 
Sponzilli.
  I have known Richard for many years now as well as have attended the 
Dean McNulty Dinner for many years and know that this is a well-
deserved honor. His story has not only inspired me but has inspired 
many of those around him. I value Rich's friendship and, as his friend, 
am happy to see him acknowledged in so many ways.
  The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing and commemorating the 
achievements of individuals such as Mr. Richard Sponzilli.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Mr. Sponzilli's 
coworkers, family and friends, all those whose lives he has touched, 
and me, in recognizing the work of Mr. Richard Sponzilli.

                          ____________________