[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 13207]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      REMEMBERING MICHAEL GAROFANO, SR. AND MICHAEL GAROFANO, JR.

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, today I would like to pay tribute to two 
dedicated public servants in Vermont who passed away tragically in the 
floods of Hurricane Irene.
  Both Michael Garofano Sr. and Michael Garofano Jr. were employees at 
the Rutland City Water Facility in Rutland, VT, where they served at 
the interest of their communities until the very end. During the worst 
hours of Hurricane Irene in Vermont, Michael Sr. and Michael Jr. sought 
to protect the people of Rutland by inspecting the town's water system 
infrastructure. In this brave moment, both men unfortunately lost their 
lives as the waters of Mendon Brook rose to threatening levels. We will 
always remember them for their everlasting courage, evident by their 
extreme dedication to protecting their family and beloved community 
during a crisis.
  Michael Sr. joined the Rutland City Water Facility as its manager in 
1981. He served zealously, ensuring that the water of Rutland City was 
safe at all times for those living in the region. He was also a member 
of the American Water Works Association where he was committed to 
benefitting not only Vermont, but also the country, in its pursuit of 
clean water. Michael was highly respected and honored by those who 
worked under his supervision. He was known as one of the best employees 
the industry had to offer.
  Michael Sr.'s son, Michael Garofano Jr., also had the interest of 
water quality at heart. As a water operator at the Rutland City Water 
Facility, he too braved the elements of Hurricane Irene to serve his 
family and community. As an independently contracted landscaper, 
Michael's loyalty to his community was widely recognized. At a mere 24 
years of age, both his accomplishments and bravery are of honorable 
praise.
  Michael Garofano Sr. and Jr. are survived by wife and mother, 
Celestine ``Sally''--Sitek--Garofano and son and brother, Thomas 
Garofano of Rutland, Vermont. My wife Marcelle and I wish to express 
our deepest condolences to Sally, Thomas, and Michael Sr. and Jr.'s 
extended family. In the days following the hurricane, many acts of 
bravery have been displayed throughout our state. All of Vermont can be 
proud of Michael Sr. and Michael Jr.'s incredible courage and the 
legacy they both have left behind.
  I ask unanimous consent that the obituary for Michael Garofano Sr. 
and Michael Garofano Jr. from the Rutland Herald be printed in the 
Record so all may recognize two men whose acts of bravery will not soon 
be forgotten.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record as follows:

                          Michael J. Garofano

   Published in Rutland Herald from September 2 to September 3, 2011

       Michael J. Garofano, 55, of Rutland died Sunday afternoon, 
     Aug. 28, 2011, with his son Michael, as a tragic result of 
     Hurricane Irene in Rutland.
       He was born in Rutland, Vt., on March 27, 1956, the son of 
     Patrick and Jacqueline (Roussil) Garofano.
       Michael was a graduate of Rutland High School, Class of 
     1974. He graduated from Vermont Technical College in 1976, 
     with an Associate Degree in Water Quality.
       He was employed as the Water Treatment and Resource Manager 
     in the Rutland City Department of Public Works since 1981.
       He enjoyed his family, especially his three boys. He 
     enjoyed puttering around the house and fixing things. Mike 
     had a dry sense of humor and gave everyone a nickname.
       Surviving are his wife, Celestine ``Sally'' (Sitek) 
     Garofano of Rutland; a son, Thomas A. Garofano of Rutland, 
     his parents of Rutland; two brothers, Thomas and his wife 
     Maureen of Georgia, Vt., and Patrick and his wife Cindy of 
     Daphne, Ala.; three sisters, Mary Goodchild and her husband 
     Harvey of Rutland, Lynn Helrich of Anchorage, Alaska, and 
     Stephanie Urso and her husband Frank of Proctor, Vt.; mother-
     in-law Valeria Sitek of Rutland, Vt.; sister-in-law Chris 
     Giddings and her husband Fred Hellmuth of Pittsford; and 
     several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
       He was predeceased by a son, Robert M. Garofano, on April 
     8, 2010.
       Funeral services for Michael J. Garofano and his son 
     Michael G. will be held Friday, September 9, 2011, at 11 a.m. 
     at St. Peter's Church in Rutland.
       Visiting hours for Michael J. Garofano and his son Michael 
     G. will be held Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. at Clifford Funeral 
     Home in Rutland.
       The family is intending to create a memorial fund to honor 
     Michael and his son via the purchase of a plaque or similar 
     item to be placed at the City Reservoir.
       In lieu of flowers, you may send donations payable to the 
     Garofano Memorial Fund, c/o Rutland City Treasurer's Office, 
     PO Box 969, Rutland, VT 05702-0969.

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