[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 172 (Thursday, December 1, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1572]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING JOHN DeCICCO JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 1, 2016

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a leader in our 
community, John DeCicco Jr. whose humanitarian work is being recognized 
by The Pelham Civic Association at their Annual Dinner Dance Gala. John 
is one of three honorees for ``Persons of the Year'' on November 4, 
2016 in my district.
  John is the President and CEO of DeCicco & Sons Food Markets. He is a 
longtime volunteer member of the Pelham Civics, a major contributor to 
Pelham Civics ``Needy Cases Program,'' which provides food baskets for 
hundreds of needy families. He also spearheaded the Pelham Civics' 75th 
Anniversary Dinner Dance Journal in 2014, raising over $12,000.
  John is known for his countless acts of altruism, philanthropy, and 
charity. He has worked with The Veterans of Foreign Wars, The Wounded 
Warriors, The Boy and Girl Scouts in an effort to support the community 
and those in need. He was the recipient of the 2015 Rotary Club of the 
Pelhams Award for his work supporting children and families.
  John also works closely with career placement for special needs 
students, was a Past Advisory Board Member for the Fordham University 
Graduate School of Business Entrepreneurship, a former Junior Board 
Member for the Westchester Italian Cultural Center, Past President of 
the Pelham Chamber of Commerce, and has worked closely with Governor 
Cuomo, County Executive Rob Astorino, ConEdison, and NYSERDA in leading 
an effort to promote ``GREEN Markets for the Future'' the first of 
which was opened in Larchmont in December of 2015. The store, which is 
founded on the principle of being environmentally friendly, has 
received the EPA's Green Chill Platinum Certification.
  John's business, DeCicco & Sons, is also a long-time contributor to 
Pelham School PTAs, and was the recipient of the 2015 New York State 
PTA Congress ``Golden Oak Award'' for exemplary support of the school 
districts, PTAs and students. DeCiccos also received the 2015 
Westchester's Best Family-Owned Business Award, for continued 
commitment and active support to the communities in which they live and 
work, the 2016 Independent Green Business of the Year Award. John 
married Luisa DeCicco, Ph.D., another honoree, and have two children.
  It is an honor to present John with a Congressional Record at The 
Pelham Civic Association Annual Dinner Gala. I want to thank him for 
all he has done in the community and all he continues to do on behalf 
of Pelham. Congratulations to all honorees of the evening.