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Congressional Record publishes “IN RECOGNITION OF JOSEPH EDWARD GALLO” on Feb. 27, 2007

Volume 153, No. 33 covering the 1st Session of the 110th Congress (2007 - 2008) was published by the Congressional Record.

The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.

“IN RECOGNITION OF JOSEPH EDWARD GALLO” mentioning the Environmental Protection Agency was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E402 on Feb. 27, 2007.

The publication is reproduced in full below:

IN RECOGNITION OF JOSEPH EDWARD GALLO

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HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA

of california

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Mr. CARDOZA. Madam Speaker, it is with the greatest respect and sincerity that I rise today to honor an exceptional community leader, the late Mr. Joseph Edward Gallo. Mr. Gallo, a prominent Merced County rancher, dairyman and cheese producer, died February 17, 2007 at his home in Livingston, California at the age of 87.

Joseph Gallo started life as an immigrant's son on September 11, 1919 in Antioch, California, and ended it as one of the most successful dairymen in the country. He was the youngest of three boys to parents Joseph Sr. and Susie Gallo who moved to California from the Piedmont region of northern Italy. At a young age, Joe moved to Modesto, California with his family, and attended Franklin Grammar School. In 1937, Joseph graduated from Modesto High School and began his studies at Modesto Junior College. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and served in the Philippine Islands and Korea. In 1945, one year before he left the Army Joseph married Mary Ann Arata of Modesto and together they had three children: Peter Joseph, Michael David and Linda Ann. The family suffered a great loss in 1968 when 1st Lt. Peter Gallo was killed in action in Vietnam. Michael and Linda are partners in the Gallo business and farming enterprises, Michael serving as CEO since his father's retirement and Linda's husband Kenny is Ranch Operations Manager for the firm.

When Joseph returned home from the service, he became the ranch manager for his brothers' grape-growing operation, E&J Gallo Vineyards in Livingston. In 1966 Joseph married Patricia Morgan-Gardali of Modesto. Patricia and her nine year old son, Sam Gardali, joined the family, making their home in Livingston. During the 20 years he worked for his brothers' operation, he was also developing his own vineyard and cattle business. Joseph eventually accumulated 4,000 acres of vineyards, at one time becoming one of California's largest wine grape growers. In the years following, his interest in livestock developed and in 1979 Joseph built his first diary with 4,000 milking cows. Four more diaries would follow as did the founding of the Joseph Gallo Diary

& Cheese Co. in 1982. In the 25 years since, Joseph's business has flourished and in addition to becoming a successful agricultural organization, it has become a leader in protecting the environment and public health for this and future generations. I remember as a child always hearing my father talk about what an amazing farmer Joe Gallo was and how impressed he was with how the Gallo operation had skillfully grown from a small ranch to one of the nation's most successful dairyman and cheese producers. His success was truly phenomenal and reflective of Joe's commitment, hard work and dedication to his business.

The Joseph Gallo Farms tradition and commitment to balancing success with environmental responsibility is unmatched and has set the standard for farming operations across the country. Joseph Gallo will be remembered as one of the early pioneers in using methane from manure as a source of electricity. He has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and was most recently named the International Dairy Foods Association's Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year. Joseph's interest in environmentally conscious farming had much to do with his love of the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing and traveling. His work has truly helped shape the future of environmentally-friendly farming and will forever be admired and remembered for his ingenuity.

Throughout his life, Joseph has supported and been involved with countless community organizations and foundations including the Livingston Community Health Center, Mercy Medical Center Merced, St. Jude's Catholic School and Emanuel Hospital Chairman's Club of Turlock. He was also a major contributor to the Veteran's Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. in memory of his son Peter. Joseph's legacy will also be memorialized in the Joseph Edward Gallo Recreation and Wellness Center at the University of California, Merced, after his son Michael and daughter Linda donated funds to its construction in their father's name.

Joseph Gallo is survived by his wife of 41 years, Patricia; his son Michael and wife Lori; his daughter Linda and husband Kenny Jelacich; his stepson Sam Gardali and wife Kay; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Peter, and his brother, Julio Gallo. He is also survived by his brother Ernest Gallo. Madam Speaker, it is my distinct honor and privilege to join our community and the Gallo family in honoring the life and legacy of Mr. Joseph Edward Gallo. We lost a pioneer, a community leader and a dear friend in his passing.

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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 153, No. 33