[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 38 (Wednesday, February 26, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E215]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING TERRY DeCARLO FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE CENTRAL FLORIDA LGBTQ+ 
                               COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 26, 2020

  Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and 
service of Terry DeCarlo. Born on March 19, 1962 in Bethpage, N.Y. to 
Mario and Anne (Puglisi) Nunziato, Mr. DeCarlo served in the Air Force 
from 1980 to 1983. Even before moving to Florida in 1996, Mr. DeCarlo 
was an early advocate for persons with H.I.V. From 2006 to 2014, he was 
the development director for the Broward House, a nonprofit social 
services organization for people living with HIV and other chronic 
health issues.
  In 2014, Mr. DeCarlo joined the staff as executive director of the 
Center, a non-profit community service organization empowering the 
LGBTQ+ community in Central Florida. As executive director on June 12, 
2016, he became a constant source of comfort and strength for the 
survivors, families of victims, and the entire Central Florida 
community following the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. The Center was open 
and prepared with grief counselors within hours of the attack. Even 
after his health began to deteriorate due to stress, Terry continued to 
serve as executive director of the Center until July 2017.
  In addition to his husband, Bill Huelson, Terry is survived by his 
mother, Anne Fabrikant; his sisters, Mary Detto and Deborah Waters; and 
his brother, John Nunziato. His work in the aftermath of the Pulse 
Nightclub tragedy will never be forgotten. He was a pillar of the 
Central Florida community and dedicated champion of LGBTQ+ rights.

                          ____________________