[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 153 (Thursday, September 22, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E974]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING LIBERT BOZZELLI

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                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2022

  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
Libert Bozzelli, who passed away on August 25, 2022, at the age of 97.
  A World War II Combat Veteran, he served his country with honor as a 
member of the Army-Air Corp Unit in the African campaign under General 
George S. Patton. Libert was honored in 2015 with a trip to Washington, 
D.C. with the Honor Flight Program. There he was selected for the 
highly distinguished honor to place a wreath on the tomb of the Unknown 
Soldier; an honor that would cause Libert to shed a tear every time he 
recounted the story.
  Upon returning to America, Libert would attend a trade school, where 
he would train to become a sheet metal worker. He would work for 
Independence Sheet Metal Company for seven years until he was elected 
as a business agent for Sheet Metal Workers Local 70 (now known as The 
Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers' Local Union 33). 
There, he would fight for fair treatment and wages for his members. 
Well respected by his peers, Libert would be reelected to the position 
for 34 years, which was the longest anyone has held the position 
continuously in the nation. Libert also served on the Akron Labor 
Board, Akron Regional Development Board, Summit County Construction 
Board and Repeals Review Board. His dedication would earn him the Peter 
Bommarito Community Award from Akron Labor.
  Libert was a lifelong public servant and gave to his community 
relentlessly. He served 20 years on Cuyahoga Falls City Council and 4 
years on Summit County Council. During that time, he implemented many 
important projects. He fought for his constituents and the people he 
represented always making sure their voice and their interests were 
heard. He was instrumental in establishing senior citizen housing in 
Cuyahoga Falls and throughout Summit County. This earned him the Akron 
Housing Urban Citizen award. Libert's true passion was fighting for the 
underdog. He was ahead of his time when it came to supporting mental 
health issues, the mentally challenged and handicapped youth and 
adults. He served on the boards of the Weaver School and Workshop, 
Tarry House for Mental Health and Housing, Fallsview Mental Health, 
served as President on Cuyahoga Falls Hospital, St. Thomas Mental 
Action Committee and ARC. He wanted all to have the opportunities, 
skills, and means to be a productive citizen and have a high quality of 
life.
  Libert's voice was loudest when he was trying to get approval of the 
construction and funding for the Internal Brotherhood Home for 
Alcoholics. His words were heard as IBH is a success today. This earned 
him the Salvation Army Lifetime Humanitarian Achievement Award. In 
1985, Kent State asked Libert to help them open The Kent State 
University Museum, an institution displaying important collections of 
fashion and decorative art. When they needed a leader to ensure their 
plans could be executed effectively and efficiently, Libert stepped up 
to become the first President of the fashion museum.
  Italian heritage meant a lot to Libert. He was a member of the 
Italian Professional Business Men's Club, Kenmore Italian Club, 
Carvollese Men's Club, Italian Council and Sons of Italy where he 
played a role in leadership positions in each organization. He earned 
the Council of Italian American Society Service Award.
  The latest in Libert's life of high achievement occurred this year. A 
week after his wife's passing, Libert would walk across the Blossom 
Music Center stage to receive his high school diploma 80 years later.
  Libert gave his life to others, but his family was his priority. 
Sunday pasta dinners with his children, grandchildren, friends, and 
neighbors were a weekly occurrence. The family gathered again at his 
home for every holiday celebration.
  Married to the love of his life for 75 years, on August 25 Libert 
died of a broken heart. He joins his wife Madeline who proceeded him in 
May. Libert leaves his children, Dennis Bozzelli, Marlene and Eric 
Czetli, Kathleen and Bernie Hovey, Tom Bozzelli and Ken Pollard; 6 
grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

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