[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 154 (Monday, September 17, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1261]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING MIKE ANDREW LEPRINO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE COFFMAN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 17, 2018

  Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mike Andrew 
Leprino. Mike passed away on August 30th, and leaves behind a legacy of 
hard work, generosity, and community service. He truly lived the 
American dream. His loss will be greatly felt in our community, as well 
as across Colorado, California, and the United States.
  Mike was the son of Italian immigrants who came to the United States 
in 1914. Eventually settling in Colorado, the Leprino's opened a small 
Italian grocery store in 1950 where they sold a variety of cheeses, in 
the style of their native Italy. While chain grocery stores competition 
caused their small business to close, the Leprino's did not despair, 
instead they came up with a new way to thrive by entering the newly 
booming market of cheese for pizzas. Soon their new company, Leprino 
Foods, began to grow exponentially.
  Mike was a pillar in the Denver community. A banker, developer and 
community servant. Some of the greatest treasures and neighborhoods in 
our state were built and funded by Mike. He gave back relentlessly to 
his state and country, something that he also instilled in each of his 
children.
  Mr. Speaker, I can think of no better example of the American dream, 
than that of Mike, and his parent's before him. They always remained 
optimists and Mike is someone who from humble beginnings built an 
enviable legacy in our state. We can all take a lesson in hard work, 
determination, and the entrepreneurial spirit from Mike Leprino. He is 
preceded in death by his wife Joan, son Michael, sister Ange Testa, and 
brother Lou. Mike is survived by his wife Suzy, daughters; Laurie 
Leprino, Nancy Leprino, and Mary Leprino. He is also survived by 6 
grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, sister Marie Videtto and brother 
Jim Leprino. Those of us who were fortunate enough to know Mike and his 
indomitable optimism and spirit will miss him.

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