[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 3, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E496-E497]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE INCREDIBLE LIFE OF ALBERT EUGENE BARDINI

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 3, 2025

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague, 
Representative Adam Gray, to honor the incredible life of Albert Eugene 
Bardini, a true representative of the spirit of the Central Valley.
  Albert Bardini was born on June 20, 1928, in Merced, California, to 
Pete and Adelaide Bardini, a proud third-generation farming family. He 
attended Merced High School, where he played both baseball and 
football. Following high school, he attended St. Mary's College before 
enlisting in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.
  During this time, Albert married the love of his life, Joanne McKim 
on June 25, 1950, whom he had met during high school at the Hopeton 
Festa. Together, they made Merced their lifelong home.
  After his service, Albert and his two uncles established Bardini's 
Yosemite Suppliers--the first wholesale plumbing and electrical supply 
company in Merced. The business was a trailblazer, becoming the first 
private company awarded a contract by the Department of Defense to 
operate a supply store on a U.S. Air Force base.
  After selling the business, Albert continued his commitment to public 
service by becoming a Merced County Supervisor. In that role, he worked 
tirelessly on public works and community development projects, from 
water infrastructure to programs supporting seniors and youth. He was 
appointed to numerous state and local committees, a testament to the 
trust and confidence others placed in his leadership and vision.
  Albert was known to all for his vibrant personality and generosity. A 
longtime member of the Merced Elks Club and Breakfast Lions, he was 
also a dedicated Life Member of the Italo-American Lodge. His 
grandfather served as the first president of the Lodge in 1933, and 
Albert carried on that legacy with pride.
  Together Joanne and Albert raised four sons, who all pursued careers 
in engineering. Their family has grown with the addition of 
grandchildren and great-grandchildren, bringing Albert and Joanne 
tremendous pride and joy.
  In his later years, Albert could always be found at the heart of 
family gatherings, settled into a comfortable chair, watching a game, 
sharing stories, and offering his sharp, humorous commentary.
  Albert was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Joanne, 
and his parents, Pete and Adelaide Bardini. He leaves behind his four 
sons: Richard (Nancy), Randy (Agnes), Gary (Laura), and Greg 
(Danielle), along with nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. 
Albert's life was one of service, joy, and family.

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