[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15049]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE TARAPANI FAMILY FOR 101 YEARS OF BUSINESS AND SERVICE IN 
                        TARPON SPRINGS, FLORIDA

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                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 26, 2012

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate 
the Tarapani family of Tarpon Springs, Florida, on the accomplishment 
of 101 years of business and service in Tarpon Springs, Florida. 
Throughout their time in the United States, the Tarapani family has 
lived the American Dream, applying hard work and determination to 
create a successful small business in our community.
  Having emigrated from Lithuania to the United States through Ellis 
Island as a young boy, Abraham Tarapani opened his first storefront in 
Tarpon Springs in 1911. The store was an old-fashioned dry goods store, 
selling clothing, fabrics, hats and other general merchandise. To this 
day, the Tarapani Department Store proudly serves the people of Tarpon 
Springs and northern Pinellas County.
  Over the last century, the Tarapani family has become a staple of the 
Tarpon Springs business and civic communities. Through four 
generations, members of the family have actively and attentively served 
their local customers, while also serving the greater community with 
their participation on many boards and associations, including the 
American Legion, the Tarpon Springs Rotary Club, the Tarpon Springs 
Chamber of Commerce, the Tarpon Springs Board of Commissioners and the 
Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, among others. Abraham Tarapani 
and his wife, Margaret, had two children: Helen and Abe, Jr. Abe, Jr. 
and his wife, Florida Belle, had three children: Abe III, John and 
Florida Belle. And finally, John had a son, Townsend. These members of 
the Tarapani family represent four generations and their contributions 
have helped to make Tarpon Springs a better place to live, work, and 
raise a family.
  Mr. Speaker, for more than 100 years the Tarapani family has 
represented the best of the American entrepreneurial spirit. The family 
has become a pillar of the local Tarpon Springs community. Their 
economic success and ability to adapt with the changing times exemplify 
the strength of this country's business community, and I commend them 
for their contributions to our area.

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