[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2606]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF LIBERA PILLA

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2003

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
Libera Pilla--beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and 
friend to many.
  For forty-nine years, Mrs. Pilla was the devoted wife of George 
Pilla, who died in 1978. Together they raised their two sons, Bishop 
Anthony Pilla and Joe Pilla. As immigrants from Italy, Mr. and Mrs. 
Pilla understood the importance of family, faith, and hard work. 
Although they were not formally educated, Mr. and Mrs. Pilla coveted 
the educational opportunities for their sons, and ensured that they 
both received an excellent education. Moreover, they instilled in their 
sons the value of service and compassion toward others--clearly 
evidenced in their sons' chosen vocations--Bishop Anthony Pilla's 
vocation of spiritual leader; and Joe Pilla's commitment to public 
service in law enforcement.
  Mrs. Pilla was the light, warmth and center of the Pilla family. Mrs. 
Pilla was known for her deep sense of compassion and concern for 
others, and she consistently reached out to others with grace, kindness 
and dignity. Mrs. Pilla took great pride and joy in caring for her 
family and friends, especially through her culinary talents. She 
delighted many with her wonderful recipes from her Italian homeland, 
and enjoyed planning and preparing for family and friends during the 
holiday season.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance 
of Libera Pilla--a remarkable woman who, along with her dear husband 
George, rose above the hardships of assimilating into American culture, 
sculpting a wonderful life for herself and her family, filled with 
love, warmth, encouragement and support. Although Mrs. Pilla will be 
deeply missed, her life was joyously lived--and is a life worthy of 
celebration. I offer my deepest condolences to Mrs. Pilla's sons, 
Bishop Anthony Pilla and Joe Pilla; to her grandchildren and great-
grandchildren; and to her extended family and many friends. The light 
and love that Mrs. Pilla so freely gave to others, especially to her 
family, will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved 
her well.

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