[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 24]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 32821]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF LEO A. DiEGIDIO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Saturday, December 19, 2009

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
Leo A. ``Lal'' DiEgidio; devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-
grandfather, great-great grandfather and dear friend to many. His 
generosity, concern for others and gift for singing uplifted countless 
people throughout our community.
  Mr. DiEgidio's life was centered on family, faith, hard work and his 
love of song. For more than forty years, he lifted the spirits of 
people of all ages with his beautiful singing voice. Mr. DiEgidio 
volunteered his time and talents by visiting nursing homes and singing 
for residents and staff. During many of these visits, he sang with 
another local celebrity singer, Rocco Scotti. Mr. DiEgidio directed the 
choir at Gunning Park Golden Age Center in Cleveland, and was a 
founding member of the Choir at Holy Name Church, where he sang for 
nearly eighty years. Mr. DiEgidio often sang duets with the late Father 
John Dalton, whose favorite was ``Danny boy.'' Mr. DiEgidio was also 
known for his powerful versions of ``The Star Spangled Banner'' and 
``God Bless America.''
  Mr. DiEgidio lived his life with a spirit of generosity, a compassion 
for others, and a joy of living. His quick smile easily drew others to 
him. He was a devoted husband to the late Harriette, and was a devoted 
father to the late Leo, Ronald and Lalene. Together, Lal and Harriette 
worked hard to provide a wonderful and loving home for their family. In 
1951, he established Lal's Cleaners and Tailors on Garfield Boulevard 
in the heart of Garfield Heights, Ohio. Now owned by his grandson, the 
business continues. Mr. DiEgidio was active in the Italian-American 
community of Garfield Heights. He was a longtime member of the Knights 
of Columbus Council and the Solon Italian-American Club.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance 
of Leo A. ``Lal'' DiEgidio, whose joyous spirit and love for others 
will exist forever within the hearts and memories of those who loved 
and knew him best--his family and friends. His life, framed by his gift 
of song, compassion for others, devotion to family and commitment to 
community, will be always celebrated and remembered.