[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25176]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING MAYOR ALFONSO GEREFFI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETER DEUTSCH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 17, 2003

  Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. 
Alfonso Gereffi, former mayor of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. A 
distinguished leader and great Floridian, Mr. Gereffi was also a 
devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
  Mr. Gereffi moved to South Florida in the late 1960's from Pittsburgh 
and quickly took an active role in the community. An outspoken 
advocate, Mr. Gereffi served on the Lauderdale Lakes City Council for 
nearly three decades. He served as a City Council member from 1973 to 
1980 and as Mayor from 1980 to 1998. Under his exemplary leadership, 
the City boasted a record low tax rate and had a $9 million surplus. In 
addition to fulfilling his civic duties, Mr. Gereffi devoted his 
efforts towards charitable works as well. Among his proudest 
accomplishments was helping to open the Alzheimer's Day Care Center in 
Lauderdale Lakes.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand before you today in memory of a 
model citizen from South Florida. Mr. Gereffi devoted his energies to 
his family, friends, constituents and community at large. His greatest 
joy was in helping his fellow man and improving the quality of life for 
all in his city. He is survived by his daughters, a brother, four 
grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and several nieces and 
nephews.

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