[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 22 (Tuesday, February 5, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E132]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING CHARLES J. DiMATTEO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THEODORE E. DEUTCH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 5, 2019

  Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize my constituent, 
Mr. Charles DiMatteo, who will be celebrating his 100th Birthday on 
February 8.
  The son of a produce store owner father and a seamstress mother from 
Sicily, Charles lived the American Dream. He was born at home and 
raised in Boston, Massachusetts, as one of nine children. His parents 
were well-known in the area as co-founders of Sacred Heart Church on 
North Street in the North End. Charles went to school and helped out in 
the family store.
  Charles received a draft notice and entered the Army Air Corps in 
1942, serving as a radio operator and marksman. He was in 16 missions 
under fire in places like Burma, China and India. He suffered serious 
injury while unloading a cargo plane and was hospitalized. Charles 
continued his service until 1946, when he was honorably discharged with 
many service medals and honors.
  Following his military service, Charles worked as a railroad claims 
agent and ran a wholesale produce business. His fruit baskets were 
legendary in the area and he was referred to as the ``Basket King.'' He 
is a lifelong member of the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) and the DAV 
(Disabled American Veterans). After retiring at age 70 and relocating 
to Florida, he joined DAV Chapter 133 in Pompano Beach.
  Charles is known as a generous man who has supported many charities 
over the years. Charles is also a family man with a loving wife Anita, 
two children, 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Despite knee 
replacement and back surgeries, Charles still gets around quite well at 
age 99. Not surprisingly, he is a fan of the Boston Red Sox and the New 
England Patriots, and enjoys watching their games on television. His 
other hobbies include following the stock market, swimming and dining 
out.
  Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to honor Mr. Charles DiMatteo and 
his service to his country and his community. Happy Birthday, Charles.

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