[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5747]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  PAYING TRIBUTE TO JULIUS DiGREGORIO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 30, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to pay 
tribute to the life and memory of Julius DiGregorio, a lifelong 
resident of Trinidad, Colorado who passed away recently at the age of 
89. Julius lived a full life as a patriot, devoted family man, and 
beloved member of his community. As his family mourns his loss, I 
believe it is appropriate to remember Julius and the many contributions 
he made to his community, State and country.
  Julius embodied the spirit of America, and his story is a prime 
example of what makes America such a great country. He grew up in 
Trinidad, Colorado, where he played on the State Champion Trinidad High 
School Miners football team. Undeterred by the Great Depression in the 
1930s, Julius attended Notre Dame College, earning a degree in 
mechanical engineering which he put to use as an engineer in South 
America. He served his country proudly in World War II, earning a 
bronze star while serving under General Patton during the liberation of 
Italy.
  Once Julius returned to Trinidad, he staked his claim by building and 
managing an apartment building, as well as owning and operating the 
Columbian Hotel. In 1949, he married Frances Amato with whom he had 
three loving children. A man devoted to education and his community, 
Julius became the Director of the Head Start programs for Las Animas 
and Huerfano Counties in the 1970s, and a member of the Western 
Regional Head Start Director's Board.
  Mr. Speaker, we are all terribly saddened by the loss of Julius 
DiGregorio, and I am deeply honored to bring his life to the attention 
of this body of Congress and this Nation. My heart goes out to his 
family during this difficult time of bereavement.

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