[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 66 (Tuesday, April 24, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E525]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF LAWRENCE MANCHIO

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. DONALD S. BEYER, JR.

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 24, 2018

  Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Mr. 
Lawrence Manchio for his outstanding service and contributions to this 
country. Mr. Manchio is a veteran of the Second World War and a 
longtime Civil Servant, and today, April 24, 2018, he turns 100 years 
old.
  Lawrence Manchio, the son of an Italian immigrant and the second 
oldest of eight children, grew up on Metcalfe Street in Wilkes-Barre, 
Pennsylvania. He was an 11-year old and selling Times Ledger newspapers 
on the street the day the stock market crashed in 1929. As the country 
wrestled with the Great Depression, Mr. Manchio's father was diagnosed 
with a terminal illness, and a young Larry Manchio dropped out of the 
eighth grade and took a job as a plumber's apprentice to help feed his 
family.
  In 1934, Mr. Manchio signed on with FDR's Civilian Conservation Corps 
(CCC) clearing land to build Skyline Drive in Virginia's Shenandoah 
Mountains. When the work with the CCC ended, the Corps of Engineers in 
Pennsylvania hired him to help clean up damage from the Susquehanna 
River flood of 1936. When that project completed, Mr. Manchio relocated 
to Alexandria, VA to begin construction of National Airport and the 
Pentagon.
  Mr. Manchio lived in several boarding houses in the North End of Old 
Town Alexandria before settling down in a small home on Columbus 
Street. He walked four miles to and from the job site each day to save 
on bus fare. He met his wife, Diva DiFelice, while attending Sunday 
Mass at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, and they married on January 23, 
1942.
  A year later, Mr. Manchio joined the Army. After basic training, he 
joined his unit in Australia and fought with MacArthur's forces through 
New Guinea, Borneo, Morotai, and the Philippines. In 1945, Mr. Manchio 
landed in Japan with the 8th Army where his. unit was charged with 
guarding the Japanese Imperial Palace during occupation.
  He was discharged in 1946, and resumed working for the Corps of 
Engineers. As part of the Aqueduct Division, he was set to work 
building and developing the water supply system for Washington, DC., 
and Northern Virginia. By the time he retired in 1973, he was 
supervising the work of over 53 civil servants.
  In retirement, Mr. Manchio continued to serve his community and 
neighbors. He took pride in maintaining a meticulously landscaped yard, 
which received numerous beautification awards from the City of 
Alexandria. In May 2013, his wife of 71 years passed away, but he 
continues to enjoy the company and support of his son and daughter who 
both live locally. Mr. Manchio attributes his longevity to a 
Mediterranean diet, remaining physically and mentally active, and 
drinking a glass of red wine daily. He enjoys reading, keeping up with 
current events, and rooting for the Washington Nationals.
  Mr. Speaker, Mr. Manchio's dedication and service to his country is 
deserving of recognition and distinction. He is the highest example of 
a true American and a role model for us all. I ask that my colleagues 
join me in congratulating Lawrence Manchio on reaching his centennial 
year.

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