[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 135 (Friday, September 18, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1318]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF MARY GABRIELE, THE OLDEST ITALIAN-AMERICAN IN THE 
                             HAZLETON AREA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 18, 2015

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Mary Gabriele as 
she is celebrated as the oldest Italian-American in the Hazleton Area, 
an honor bestowed upon her by the Hazleton Chapter of UNICO. UNICO is 
the largest Italian-American service and volunteer organization in the 
United States, and has a significant, positive impact within my 
congressional district.
   On March 19, 1909, Mary was born to Nicholas and Tomasina Lauro in 
Medix Run, Pennsylvania. Her family moved to Hazleton Heights in 1916 
where she was able to establish strong, communal roots. As one of nine 
children, Mary began working at the Duplan Silk Mill at the youthful 
age of 14. The fact that she committed long and arduous hours at the 
facility did not stop her from obtaining an education, however. She 
went on to impressively complete her studies at St. Gabriel's High 
School during the evenings--a feat symbolic of her tireless work ethic.
   Mary married Nazario Gabriele in 1935, and the newly married couple 
moved to Peace Street in Hazleton. It was here where Mary and Nazario 
raised their four children: Carmel, Nicholas, Mary, and Thomasina. 
After dedicating years to her family, Mary returned to the workforce at 
numerous retail stores in the area, including Bon Ton, Leader, Dotte's, 
and Fashion Bug. Mary and Nazario were married for a wonderful 49 years 
before Nazario passed away in 1984.
   Currently, Mary resides at Providence Place in Drums, where she 
remains active and enjoys visits from friends and her extended family, 
including five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
   Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Mary Gabriele as the oldest 
Italian-American in the Hazleton Area. My community is extremely 
fortunate to have now called her a neighbor for close to 100 years. I 
hope she will be able to celebrate this monumental occasion in the 
company of her family and friends.

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