[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 12943]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                        TRIBUTE TO ERNESTO MUNOZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 15, 1999

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Ernesto Munoz, an 
outstanding individual who has dedicated his life to public service and 
education. His memory was honored on June 11 during the dedication of 
the Ernesto Munoz Auditorium at PS 48.
  Born on November 25, 1943, in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, to Rosario Munoz 
and Susana Garcia, Ernesto was one of five girls and two boys. He moved 
to the Bronx in 1953.
  Ernesto attended New York City Public Schools, graduating from P.S. 
123 as Valedictorian and Samuel Gompers High School for Technical 
Studies as a member of the National Honor Society. He received a 
scholarship to Baruch College of the City University of New York. He is 
also a graduate of Bronx Community College. Ernesto was a Licensed Real 
Estate broker and Vice President for Milchman Enterprises Company, Inc. 
in the Bronx.
  Mr. Speaker, Ernesto was very active in the Hunts Point community in 
my congressional district. From 1980 to the time of his passing, he was 
President of the Spofford Avenue Housing Development Fund Corporation 
and Chairman of the Board of Lapeninsula Community Organization, Inc. 
He was also a member of the Hunts Point Task Force from 1990 to 1992 
and the Bronx Borough President's Citizen Advisory Committee on 
Resource Recovery from 1990 to 1991. In addition, he was a very active 
member of Community School Board DIstrict 8. He was a Board Member from 
1989 until 1996; during this time, he served as President (1991-92), 
Vice President (1992-93) and Treasurer (1989-91).
  Ernesto married Ramona Santiago on June 6, 1964 at St. John's Church 
in the Bronx and made their home in the Hunts Point section of the 
Bronx. They had four children, Eric, Rebecca, Beatriz and Wedalis, and 
six grandchildren, Michael, Cynthia, Marissa, Carlos, Jr., Christian 
and David, Jr.
  Ernesto inspired me and many other young people from the Bronx. He 
had a remarkable passion for life, tenacity to accomplish what he set 
out to do, great courage and sensitivity. He passed away unexpectedly 
on September 10, 1998. His untimely passing has left a void not only in 
his family and community, but by all those whose lives he has touched.
  Mr. Speaker, on June 11, PS 48 honored his memory during the 
dedication of the Ernesto Munoz auditorium. What a fitting tribute.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
Ernesto Munoz and in wishing PS 48 continued success.

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