[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 220 (Monday, December 28, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1211-E1212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF JULIO AUGUST SANDINO

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 28, 2020

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Julio 
August Sandino, who passed away on November 17, 2020. Julio was a 
longtime Merced County resident and United States Army veteran.
  Julio was born on September 29, 1933 in Merced, California to Guido 
Sr. and Carola Sandino, both Italian immigrants. He was the youngest of 
three boys. Growing up on a farm, Julio understood the value of hard 
work and the art of growing the best onions and tomatoes. After being a 
four-year basketball varsity player for Merced High School, setting 
several school scoring records and receiving the best student award in 
woodshop, Julio joined the United States Army from 1953 to 1955 as a 
corporal stationed in Germany during the Cold War. During that time, he 
made the regimental basketball team.
  Julio returned home after serving honorably in the Army and met the 
love of his life, Rita Albiani, a daughter of Italian immigrants from 
Livingston, California. In 1956, they were married at Our Lady of Mercy 
Church in Merced and started a family of their own. Julio started his 
own business, Sandino's Custom Cabinet Shop, which he owned for 40 
years until retirement, and Rita worked as an accountant and managed 
medical offices.
  Julio started his love of woodwork on his family's farm and converted 
animal and storage sheds into his cabinet shop. He made beautiful 
pieces of cabinet work that was well-known in Merced County, Tahoe, San 
Francisco, and Yosemite. During his career, Julio

[[Page E1212]]

later became a general contractor and built many beautiful homes in 
Merced, even building his family's custom homes.
  Family was Julio's biggest joy in life. Every Sunday he would spend 
time with his extended family over Italian dishes that featured his 
award-winning tomatoes, garlic, and onions, prepared by his wife and 
mother. He would go mushroom hunting with his brother Guido, fishing 
with his friends, loved teaching basketball to his children, spending 
time with his lodge brothers, and winning bocce tournaments.
  Julio was preceded in death by parents, oldest brother August who was 
killed in combat during World War II, and his best friend and older 
brother, Guido Jr.
  Julio is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Rita, daughter 
Julie Sandino and husband Rusty Areias; grandchildren Alexis and 
Austin; and son David Sandino and wife Georgina Valencia.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
Julio August Sandino. His service in the Cold War, and love for his 
family and community will be remembered by those who had the pleasure 
of knowing him. I join his family and friends in honoring his great 
life.

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