[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14868]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    IN REMEMBRANCE OF VICTOR CASCIO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RODNEY ALEXANDER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2012

  Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. 
Victor Cascio, Sr. His warmhearted connection with those who were 
fortunate to know him and his steadfast involvement in the Monroe, LA 
community will always be remembered.
  Throughout his lifetime, Victor was a vibrant presence in the area. 
He won the hearts of many as a child star on KNOE-TV's ``Happiness 
Exchange,'' and his family has graced Monroe with their superb ability 
as restaurateurs since World War II. The family venture began with his 
late mother Josephine's ``Spaghetti Garden'' and culminating with The 
Chateau, a Louisville Avenue institution, where Victor hosted such 
celebrities as Liberace, Elvis, Donna Douglas of Elly May Clampett 
fame, Danny Thomas, and every Louisiana Governor from Big John 
McKeithen to Bobby Jindal.
  Much of Victor's life was spent in the public eye as a phenomenal 
host, friend, and role model for all, and when he finally closed the 
doors of The Chateau amid an outpouring of support in March of this 
year, it was with the goal of savoring a private life with his wife of 
50 years, Marie.
  Undeniably, the mark he made on our community will never fade. He had 
a gift for putting people at ease and creating an atmosphere that is 
not easily duplicated. In the letter of Saint Paul the Apostle to 
Timothy, (2 Timothy 2:8-13), Paul says ``If we have died with him, we 
shall also live with him; if we persevere, we shall also reign with 
him.'' As we fondly remember the life and accomplishments of Victor, he 
lived in the faith in which he believed.
  To say that he left his fingerprint on the world would be an 
understatement. Victor Cascio brought joy to so many, and he will live 
in our hearts forever.

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