[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 22]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 29739]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




HONORING GABRIEL AND LOUISE AMATO AS THEY CELEBRATE THEIR 50TH WEDDING 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 7, 2009

  Ms. DeLAURO. Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to rise today to 
join the many family and friends who have gathered to celebrate the 
50th wedding anniversary of Gabriel and Louise Amato--quite a milestone 
for this wonderful couple. Gabe and Louise are more than just my dear 
friends--they are family--and I am so happy to have this opportunity to 
congratulate them on this golden anniversary.
  Gabe and Louise met as teenagers--Gabe was 17 and Louise was 14--at a 
Catholic Youth Organization. It was kismet and the two soon became 
inseparable. They later married on Halloween in 1959. Louise was an 
educator for more than 25 years and Gabe, after serving in the United 
States Army for 2 years, worked for the APA Transport Company for 
nearly 30 years. Together they raised three beautiful children, Laurie, 
Cheryl, and Marc.
  Some of my fondest memories include my cousin Gabe and his wife 
Louise--they are both so energetic, vibrant, and full of life. Gabe 
continues to be an active athlete playing basketball and bowling every 
week. He once won the golden ring for bowling a 300 game and just last 
week came close to repeating that feat when he bowled a 299. And, 
though she retired a few years ago, Louise is still engaged in the 
community.
  Anyone who knows them can tell you that Gabe and Louise are a special 
couple. They are fierce friends--never far from those who need a 
helping hand. I cannot think of a time when I could not turn to them 
when I was in need and I have no doubt that you would hear similar 
stories from all of those fortunate enough to have benefitted from 
their friendship over the years.
  Today, as Gabe and Louise celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary 
and reflect on the life they built for themselves, they can be proud of 
the many ways in which they have touched the lives of others. Parent, 
friend, mentor, and, most importantly, spouse, Gabe and Louise have 
supported each other and all of those around them with a generosity, 
kindness, and compassion that is impossible to describe--it can only be 
felt.
  It is with the warmest of hearts that I rise today to join their 
children, Laurie, Cheryl and Marc; their eight grandchildren, 
Christopher, Lindsey, Justin, Sydney, Erica, Sera, Marc, and Katie; as 
well as the multitude of family and friends who have gathered today to 
wish them a very happy 50th wedding anniversary and all the best for 
many more years of love and happiness.

                          ____________________