[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 170 (Monday, October 28, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1353]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF MARIO DE FRANCESCO, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 28, 2019

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague Mr. 
Cox to honor and pay tribute to the life of Mr. Mario De Francesco, 
Jr., who passed away on October 14, 2019. Mario was a successful Fresno 
County Farmer and beloved member of his community. His presence will be 
greatly missed.
  Mario was born on March 25, 1938 to Mario and Pauline De Francesco in 
Gilroy, California. In 1960, Mario married his loving wife Carolyn 
Filice on December 4, 1960. Together they raised five children, 
daughter Michelle, sons Frank, Mario III, Michael, and Christopher.
  In 1972, the family relocated to Firebaugh, California in the heart 
of the San Joaquin Valley agriculture to expand their farming business. 
With his father and brother, Mario started a food processing business 
which quickly flourished and became one of the premiere companies in 
the dehydrated onions and garlic industry. The De Francesco's products 
were sold in the United States and worldwide.
  Mario found his greatest joy in his family and friends. He enjoyed 
life's simple pleasures, such as cooking and entertaining loved ones in 
his home.
  Mario is survived by his wife, Carolyn, daughter Michelle and her 
husband Chris Cardella, sons Frank and his wife Sandi, Mario III and 
his wife Vicki, Michael, and Christopher and his wife Linda. He also 
leaves behind many grandchildren, their spouses and great-
grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, we ask our colleagues to join us in honoring the life 
of Mr. Mario De Francesco, Jr. His commitment and dedication to farming 
in California's heartland deserve recognition. We join his family, 
friends, and members of the community in honoring his great life.

                          ____________________