[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1040]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING JUDGE MARIO J. ROSSETTI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THOMAS M. REYNOLDS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 7, 2006

  Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today 
to honor a respected jurist, a dedicated public servant and a trusted 
friend upon the occasion of his retirement from the New York State 
Court of Claims.
  Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, to proud immigrant parents, a long-
time resident of Buffalo and Williamsville, New York, Judge Mario J. 
Rossetti began his public service when he joined the Niagara Frontier 
Port Authority early in his legal career. Rossetti also served as a 
confidential lawyer to the Erie County Surrogate's Court through 1981.
  Judge Rossetti's dedication to public service culminated when he was 
nominated by Governor Mario Cuomo, and confirmed by the New York State 
Senate, as a New York State Court of Claims Judge in 1987. The day 
Judge Rossetti swore the oath of office was one of the proudest days of 
his life, though he lamented that his deceased father could not witness 
it. Upon reappointment to the post by Governor George E. Pataki, Judge 
Rossetti has served as a Court of Claims Judge and Acting Supreme Court 
Justice since 1987.
  Mr. Speaker, in the cases that have come before him, Judge Rossetti 
has dispensed justice with great compassion and firmness of judgment. 
Judge Rossetti's deep love of the law and his regard for the highest 
potential of the legal profession deepened his sense of fulfillment 
while on the Court. Attorneys practicing before Judge Rossetti often 
remarked that they enjoyed trying cases before him because he let them 
try their cases as the advocates that they are supposed to be, with the 
Judge enforcing the rules of the court.
  Mr. Speaker, Mario Rossetti's involvement in a variety of civic and 
community organizations have made their mark on the community. Most of 
those endeavors also bore the unmistakable mark of Helen Rossetti, nee 
Pacini, Mario's dear wife who passed away in June. Married in Buffalo 
in 1958, the couple had six children, Michael, Thomas, Ann Marie, 
Barbara, David and Renee.
  Mr. Speaker, in recognition of and in gratitude for his service, 
leadership and patriotism, I ask that this honorable body join me in 
honoring Judge Mario J. Rossetti upon the occasion of his retirement, 
and wish him great health and happiness in the days and years ahead.

                          ____________________