[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 20]
[Senate]
[Page 29738]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       IN MEMORY OF JOHN A. SACCI

 Mr. TORRICELLI. Mr. President, I rise today to pay homage to 
one of my constituents, the late John A. Sacci, who was a resident in 
my home county of Bergen. John Sacci served with distinction as a 
history teacher in the Hoboken Public Schools until his untimely death 
in 1997. The good citizens of Hoboken will dedicate a playground in the 
historic Columbus Park in honor of his memory, and I join his family, 
friends and colleagues in paying tribute to a man who inspired so many 
young people.
  John Sacci lived a short life, but it was not without ample 
achievements and success. Mr. Sacci helped to shape the minds of our 
children and did so with his unique brand of humor. His approach to 
teaching was filled with a refreshing attitude that won him the 
affection of countless students. Mr. President, above all, John Sacci 
was a committed and dedicated teacher and servant of the people.
  Mr. Sacci lent his support to countless causes, including the 
implementation of Advanced Placement courses and the International 
Bacculauralate programs at Hoboken High School, creating scholarship 
opportunities for students, and initiating professional learning 
opportunities like the Academic Bowl and Mock Trial providing for 
Hoboken's students to be among the brightest in Hudson County. 
Additionally, John served as the Girl's Softball Team Coach and helped 
to build young women's self-esteem through leadership and team work.
  When it came time to assist students with the college application 
process, John Sacci was the one hundreds of students turned to for 
assistance because they knew he cared. Indeed, John Sacci's efforts 
made it possible for hundreds of students to go on and become 
productive citizens. In fact, John Sacci helped and inspired a member 
of my own staff, George A. Ortiz, who serves as my press secretary. He 
was a vital asset to the success of Hoboken High School and his loss is 
profoundly felt. For all who ever crossed his path and benefitted from 
his intrinsic commitment to helping shape the future of America, we are 
all the better for it today.
  Mr. President, I have stood on the floor of this great chamber time 
and again to urge the imperative need for meaningful gun control. On 
February 17, 1997 the tragedies that have struck in places like 
Littleton, Jonesboro and Columbine were all too familiar to the small 
community of Hoboken, as John Sacci's life was tragically cut short by 
gun violence. To all of my constituents in New Jersey who have died 
from gun violence, like John Sacci, I commit to fighting so that their 
memories and untimely deaths are not forgotten.
  In conclusion, I want to express my personal condolences to John 
Sacci's family and friends. To his wife, Kathy, his children, Carla, 
Christi, Jenna and Elaina, though nothing I can say today will change 
the pain you feel, but take pride in your husband and father John 
Sacci. He was, indeed, a man of courage, inspiration and above all, he 
cared enough to want to make a difference.
  Mr. President, I would like the record to reflect that today, 
Tuesday, November 23, 1999, family, friends and countless students 
gathered together in the City of Hoboken, in Hudson County in my great 
state of New Jersey to dedicate a playground in the living memory of 
John A. Sacci, an accomplished teacher.

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