[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 150 (Monday, September 18, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E855]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CELEBRATING MICHAEL ANTHONY MERCADANTE'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

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                           HON. JAY OBERNOLTE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 18, 2023

  Mr. OBERNOLTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and recognize 
the 100th birthday of my constituent, Mr. Michael Anthony Mercadante of 
Helendale, California. Mike was born on September 20, 1923, to Joseph 
Mercadante and Maria Santa Padre, who immigrated from Italy to pursue 
the American Dream.
  Mike grew up in Providence, Rhode Island. At a young age, he began 
working a variety of difficult jobs, including at a steel mill and as a 
delivery boy using a horse and carriage, At age 18, Mike answered the 
highest of callings--serving his country during a time of war. He and 
his friends joined the Army during WWII, serving in the Artillery tank 
division in the South Pacific repairing tanks and overseeing 
communication between troops. Following the war, Mike continued to 
serve in the Army in the Active Reserves, attaining the rank of Master 
Sergeant and training troops for the Korean and Vietnam Wars for 23 
years.
  In addition to his long military career, Mike taught high school for 
over 25 years. After graduating from Bryant University, he taught 
machine and auto shop and Redondo Union High School in Redondo Beach, 
California and eventually coached baseball at St. Hedwig's School in 
Los Alamitos. As a coach, teacher, and mentor, Mike was known for his 
passion for baseball and for helping kids achieve success.
  After moving to Helendale, Mike served as the commander and chief of 
Citizens on Patrol for nearly 25 years. His service, work ethic, and 
passion for our community serves as an inspiration for all of us.
  Mike's passion for his students, his community, and his country is 
equaled by his love for his family. He married Leonardi Cathrine (Kay) 
in Lawton, Oklahoma in 1946 and together they proudly raised 7 
children--Connie, Cathy, Michael, Mary, Stephen, Robert, and Linda. 
They are blessed with 30 grandchildren.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Michael Mercadante's 
100th birthday. His contributions have had a profound impact on our 
High Desert Community.

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