[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 9, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN MEMORY OF ALBERT ``AL'' P. PIANTANIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TONY CARDENAS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 9, 2015

  Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I rise to 
honor the life of my good friend and community leader, Albert ``Al'' P. 
Piantanida, who passed away on Monday, August 31, 2015.
   Al was not only a great friend to me, but a leader in the Northeast 
San Fernando Valley. Al's dedication to his neighborhood and the 
surrounding community will be noticed by future generations.
   Al was a proud Vietnam War Veteran, serving for three years. Al 
shared his familiarity and experience as a member of my Veterans 
Advisory Committee. He was also a proud member of the American Legion 
Post 817 in Panorama City.
   While born in East St. Louis, Illinois, Al made his home in Arleta, 
California for more than thirty years. Al believed that building a 
better world begins in one's own back yard. Al's intrinsic motivation 
was to inspire others to become involved in the community.
   Al was the perfect constituent. He not only engaged his elected 
representatives, he offered his service and personally invested in 
finding solutions to the issues facing the community. He was the 
perfect American.
   He was an active member of his community, serving diligently as the 
President of the Arleta Neighborhood Council for three years as well as 
President of the Village Green East Home Owners Association.
   Al was the founder of the Arleta Community Watchdogs Organization 
and member of the Arleta ``Looky Loos'' Neighborhood Watch Group for 
over twenty-five years.
   Al was always there and involved, actively participating in 
community events, projects, and programs. Al had a lifelong commitment 
to public service and improving the Northeast San Fernando Valley.
   Al's dedication went beyond his own neighborhood. He was an active 
member of the Los Angeles Police Department's Foothill and Mission 
Division Community-Police Advisory Boards, the Police Foundation, and 
Valley Traffic Advisory Council.
   He devoted his life to the betterment of the students and less 
fortunate--actively participating in food banks, senior centers, and 
schools. His tireless efforts were recognized when Al received the 2011 
Pacoima Spirit Award for community activist of the year.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
Albert ``Al'' P. Piantanida. Although Al is no longer with us in 
person, he will always remain in our hearts and memories. His legacy 
will continue for future generations.

                          ____________________