[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8773]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MR. JOHN SAKELLARIS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEVEN R. ROTHMAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 8, 2012

  Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. 
John Sakellaris, in recognition of his years of service to both the 
Greek-American community and to all New Jerseyans. It gives me great 
pleasure to join with the Federation of Hellenic American Organizations 
of New Jersey in celebrating his achievements at their annual banquet.
  Mr. Sakellaris was born in Volada on the island of Karpathos and came 
to America with the last wave of immigration of the decade 1965-1975. 
He has distinguished himself in his devotion to community involvement, 
both in the Karpathian community and beyond, serving as a friend and a 
model of accomplishment. Notably, his outstanding two-year service as 
chairman of the Karpathian Federation resulted in such a considerable 
increase of funds that the Foundation was able to purchase the 
``Karpathian Home'' in New Jersey. He has also achieved success as a 
restaurant owner, first with the ownership of Al's Diner in Jersey City 
and afterwards Lyndhurst Diner in Lyndhurst.
  As a founding member of Pan Gregorian Enterprises in New Jersey, Mr. 
Sakellaris was instrumental in the formation of the Federation of 
Hellenic American Organizations of New Jersey. Through his tireless 
work with Andres Comodromos, Tassos Efstratiades and the founding Board 
members, Mr. Sakellaris helped to establish a sound and productive 
organization. He served as Executive Vice President of the Federation 
and currently is a Chairman of the Board of Pan Gregorian Enterprises 
of New Jersey.
  Throughout his career, Mr. Sakellaris remained enthusiastically 
involved in political life, taking an active role in supporting several 
Philhellene political figures in New Jersey, such as Senator Bill 
Bradley, Senator Robert Menendez and Governor Jim Florio. In 1986, he 
joined the Michael Dukakis for President Committee, becoming one of the 
strongest supporters of the Greek American presidential candidate.
  John Sakellaris has also served the Greek Orthodox Church in many 
capacities, including his service as a president of the Association of 
Voladioton ``Saint Anargyroi'' and president of the parish council of 
Saint Demetrios Church in Jersey City. He was also a member of the 
Metropolitan Council of the Metropolis of New Jersey. For his selfless 
service, Mr. Sakellaris was awarded the title of Archon of the 
Ecumenical Patriarchate.
  Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the remarkable work of Mr. John E. 
Sakellaris, whose service and tireless efforts have touched the lives 
of the entire Greek-American community in New Jersey. I join with the 
grateful members of the Federation of Hellenic American Organizations 
of New Jersey, and all of my constituents in northern New Jersey, in 
thanking him for his innumerable contributions to the community.

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