[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13929]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF GABRIEL ``GABE'' TERRONEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 20, 2011

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to pay tribute to the life of 
Mr. Gabriel ``Gabe'' Terronez, who passed away on July 8, 2011 at the 
age of seventy-one. Gabe was a distinguished boxer, educator, and 
community leader who always placed the utmost importance on hard work 
and leading by example. He served as a role model for an entire 
community and will be deeply missed.
  Gabe Terronez was born on March 24, 1940 to Jesus and Paula Terronez 
in Cameron, Texas. His family settled in the great San Joaquin Valley 
where his athletic gifts were able to flourish. While a student at 
Corcoran High School, Gabe earned championships in wrestling and in 
track. Not only did Gabe possess superior athletic talent, he was also 
a man of outstanding character.
  In 1957, Gabe joined the United States Marine Corps, where he served 
his Nation proudly. During his time in the Marines, Gabe won the Inter-
Service Boxing championship. In 1960, Gabe competed in the Olympic 
trials and was also a number five world-ranked welterweight with a 32-8 
record and 19 knockouts.
  Following his seven-year career, Gabe decided to broaden his horizons 
and pursue an undergraduate degree. He used his earnings from 
professional boxing to help pay for his college tuition. After 
attending Fresno City College and California State University, Fresno, 
Gabe earned a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish.
  Gabe spent his adult life serving the public in a number of 
capacities. Upon graduating from college, he worked for then-governor, 
Ronald Reagan, as a community relations consultant. Gabe later went on 
to work for the University of California, focusing his time on migrant 
and at-risk adolescents as a youth development specialist until his 
retirement in 1992. Gabe served as an exceptional role model for these 
young men and women because he was an example of the American Dream. By 
working hard and showcasing determination in all of his endeavors, Gabe 
encountered great success in his life.
  Gabe was preceded in death by his wife of 25 years, Elizabeth Huerta 
Terronez. He is survived by his children Stephanie, Dante, Desiree, 
Damien, and Nicole; his grandchildren Nicholas and Mia Elizabeth; and 
his siblings, Cecil, Lupe, and Janie.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the 
life of Gabriel ``Gabe'' Terronez, an honorable and respected man whose 
talent and passion were not only exhibited in the boxing ring, but also 
in his unwavering commitment to our community and his loving family.

                          ____________________