[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 136 (Friday, August 16, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1056]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING THE SERRANO FAMILY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 16, 2019

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Serrano Family, 
who have been recognized as honorees at this year's Harvest of Hope 
Dinner by Catholic Charities in Merced, California. Their strong faith 
and commitment to serving others have distinguished them as stellar 
members of their church community that are very deserving of this 
recognition.
  David Serrano was born to Florencio and Anita Serrano on August 13, 
1941. The family lived in Chowchilla, California before moving across 
the highway to Le Grand in the late 50's when the family purchased 
their farm. Raised in a family with a strong Catholic faith, David 
joined the Newman Club while attending Fresno State, where he met his 
future wife, RoseAnn Burkhart, who had also grown up in a strong 
Catholic household and was an integral member of their parish, Our Lady 
of Lourdes (OLL).
  The commitment to faith exhibited by David and RoseAnn guided them as 
they raised their family and instilled this faith in each of their 
children: Christine, Danielle, Matthew, and Michael. Their family 
remained active in the OLL parish throughout their childhood and 
volunteered for various ministries in the church. David and RoseAnn 
became mentors for many and over the years, were asked to be Godparents 
for multiple children and adults.
  David and RoseAnn's unwavering commitment to their religion 
undoubtedly contributed to the strong character present in each of 
their children, all of whom continue to remain active in the Catholic 
faith. Each of their children has remained committed to passing their 
faith traditions along to the next generation while continuing to serve 
others.
  Their daughters Christine and Danielle, in addition to their son 
Michael, his wife Erika and daughter Catalina, are all active members 
of OLL. Christine and Danielle continue to pass along their family's 
faith traditions as Godparents to Catalina. Their son Matthew and his 
wife Kimberly are active in Sacred Heart Schools, where their children 
Isabela and William attend. Though RoseAnn passed suddenly on June 25, 
2017, her exceptional family continues to carry on her legacy she 
built.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring an 
exceptional family that has been guided by their strong Catholic and 
distinguished service to their community. I wish the Serrano family and 
Catholic Charities of Merced the best as they are recognized as 
honorees at the 2019 Harvest of Hope Dinner.

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