[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 35 (Friday, February 25, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E173-E174]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   REMEMBERING DEAN `DINO' CORTOPASSI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 25, 2022

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dean 
``Dino'' Cortopassi and his legacy as a loving family man, career 
farmer, and champion of communities in the Delta area. Patti and I are 
deeply saddened by Dino's passing, and our hearts are with Joan and 
their family during this difficult time.
  Dino was born and raised in Stockton, California, as the son of 
immigrant farmers. After graduating high school Dino proceeded to study 
farming at the prestigious agricultural school at the University of 
California, Davis. In 1958, Dino took on his first job as a grain buyer 
through which he immersed himself in the world of managing goods, 
markets, and the art of running a successful agribusiness. In the same 
year, he married his high school sweetheart Joan DeCarli and they both 
went on to raise four remarkable children, Gino, Katie, Becky, and 
David.
  While Dino continued to build on his success as a dynamic and 
innovative farmer and businessman, he also fell in love with the Delta. 
An avid fisherman and hunter, Dino became a powerful advocate and 
protector of the Delta's waterfowl and their habitats. His efforts were 
crucial to preventing the proposed Delta tunnels project from 
devastating the region's ecosystems. Dino founded the Wetlands 
Preservation Foundation, which continues to help conserve the Delta's 
naturaI habitats.
  In 2005 he was named the Stocktonian of the Year. Dino's Life's work 
undoubtedly had

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an indelibly positive impact on the Delta community and inspired those 
around him. He was a dear friend for whom I have the deepest respect 
and admiration. He will be deeply missed as Patti and I send our 
condolences to Joan and the Cortopassi family.

                          ____________________