[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 184 (Tuesday, December 27, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1739-E1740]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF MICHAEL SERAO

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 27, 2016

  Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay 
tribute to Mr. Michael Serao, an experienced philanthropist and 
cultural activist who has dedicated many years to serving his community 
in Queens, New York. Mr. Serao is being honored at Taminent Regular 
Democratic Club's 85th Annual Dinner Dance with the Ralph DeMarco 
Award.
  After serving for six years at Commerce Bank in Astoria and three 
years as Vice President of JP Morgan Chase Bank in Astoria, Mr. Serao 
is now the Regional Manager and Vice President of Quontic Bank.
  As grandson of Edward Serao from Bogan and Sons Furniture, a Steinway 
Street store that was a fixture in Astoria for decades, Mr. Serao is 
following in his grandfather's footsteps in giving back to his 
community. Michael Serao, a third-generation Italian-American, truly 
defines the meaning of community service.
  Mr. Serao is the Board Director for the Astoria LIC Kiwanis, Chairman 
of the Advisory Board of SHAREing and CAREing, former Advisory Board 
member to Immaculate Conception school, past President of the Ditmars 
Merchants Association, Chair for the Astoria Park Relay for Life, 
Charter member and President of the Lions Club, Treasurer of the 
William Jefferson Clinton Democratic Club, a former Board Director for 
the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens, Board Director of QSAC and 
an active former Board member of Community Board 1. He is also the Vice 
President of the Astoria Civic Association which is led by former City 
Council Speaker Peter F. Vallone.
  Mr. Serao's philanthropy work includes working with children with 
autism and senior citizens with disabilities. He has also worked 
actively in the LGBT community as a former member of OUT Astoria and 
former President of the Western Queens LGBT Democratic Club.
  Some of Mr. Serao's past honors include HX Magazine Businessman of 
the Year, Business Leadership Award from the Powhattan Democratic Club, 
Man of the Year from the LIC KOC, Business Leadership Award from the 
Borough President and numerous City Council and state recognitions. He 
currently resides in Hewlett Harbor with his partner, Dr. Fidel Abreu.
  Community involvement is the foundation of a successful city, and Mr. 
Serao exemplifies commitment to his community through his years of 
active service to local groups, organizations and elected officials. It 
is a privilege for me to represent a district with dedicated citizens, 
like Michael Serao, who work constantly to improve our city. Michael 
Serao consistently devotes his time and effort to improving the lives 
of those around him, with great success.

[[Page E1740]]

  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 
extraordinary work that Michael Serao has done for the great city of 
New York.

                          ____________________