E1822 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks September 30, 1996 The Colliers are the proud parents of two HONORING ZEIGLER-ROYALTON liness Karekin I, Supreme Patriarch and wonderful children, Daniel, age 14, and Katie, COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DIS- Catholicos of All Armenians from TRICT NO. 188 and carried out with the ministrations of age 12. The Colliers represent citizenship at several diocesan Primates, a host of bishops its best, and I am pleased to recognize these and archbishops, and a score of other clergy- fine Americans in the pages of the CONGRES- HON. GLENN POSHARD men and deacons representing the Armenian SIONAL RECORD. OF ILLINOIS Church in America, Armenia, and in the di- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES aspora. Also represented at the funeral were f clergy of the Armenian protestant churches, Saturday, September 28, 1996 the Armenian uniate Catholic Church, the Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Armenian Prelacy, as well as many sister IN HONOR OF ‘‘BLACK WOMEN’S American churches. DAY’’ RECOGNIZING THE OUT- Zeigler-Royalton Community Unit School Dis- STANDING CHARITABLE WORK trict No. 188, Zeigler, IL, located in my con- A delegation of government officials from gressional district, for having been ranked by Armenia, led by former vice-president of the AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF LOCAL Republic and current President of the Con- WOMEN the Illinois Tax Foundation as being among the top school districts in the State of Illinois. stitutional Court, Mr. Gagik Haroutunian, The Illinois Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan had flown in from Armenia to show their deep respect and abiding affection for the HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ organization, analyzed the standardized test Honorary Citizen of Armenia and the ‘‘Na- performance of each Illinois school district for tional Hero of the Armenian People.’’ OF NEW JERSEY the years 1993±1995. Each district was com- Leaders of the Armenian community and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES pared with similar Illinois districts, based on virtually every Armenian organization and the percentage of low-income students in all political party in the diaspora were rep- Saturday, September 28, 1996 districts. Despite the fact that this school dis- resented at the funeral, including members trict has a very high enrollment of low-income of the Diocesan Council, the Board of Direc- Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today students, its academic performance far sur- tors of the Armenian General Benevolent to pay special tribute to local African-American passed larger school districts with a high en- Union (AGBU), the Armenian Assembly of women for their distinguished public service rollment of upper income students. America, the Armenian Democratic Liberal and selfless commitment to their communities. This is a tribute to the outstanding leader- Party, the Armenian Revolutionary Federa- tion, and a host of others. Leaders of the October 20, 1996, will mark the 29th year ship of the school officials and the dedication American community, from business, gov- celebrating Black Women's Day, and the ac- and deep commitment of the teachers to pro- ernment, and philantrophy, were visibly in complishments of women who continue to pro- viding their students with the best education attendance. vide such vital charitable work for people from possible. I commend them for their invaluable Distinguished American political figures in all walks of life. contribution to ensuring our children become attendance included the governor of Michi- productive members of society and extend my This day recognizes the enormous dif- gan, the Honorable John Engler; the former congratulations to all of them for their remark- governor of and current American ference that compassionate individuals can able achievement. Ambassador to Canada, the Honorable James make in the lives of so many in our society f Blanchard; various members of the state who are less fortunate. I commend the efforts House and Senate; and representatives of of these women and the profound impact that TRIBUTE TO ALEXANDER Senators Carl Levin and Spencer Abraham as their work has had on the community for so MANOOGIAN well as of the Michigan US Congressional delegation, including the Hon. Sander Levin. many years. As caring members of the com- The dan gark was also attended by the Hon- munity, these women have and continue to HON. SANDER M. LEVIN orable Dennis Archer, mayor of , as serve as positive role models for individuals OF MICHIGAN well as by other civic dignitaries. and families who have lost hope due to unfor- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The cavernous church was filled to over- tunate circumstances in their lives. Saturday, September 28, 1996 flowing on the occasion of both the dan gark As we approach a new millennium, the need and the funeral with mourners who had come Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, as the House ad- from literally all over the world to pay their for individuals who contribute to the journs today, I want to be certain that we take last tribute to a great Armenian-American. empowerment and improvement of our com- the fullest note of one of this year's most re- Distinguished personages arrived from as far munities will be of utmost importance. Our grettable events, the death of Alexander as Armenia and Australia and from Canada communities today are filled with families in Manoogian. to Latin America, to pay homage to perhaps need of emergency assistance. The women Mr. Manoogian was a towering figure in the the greatest Armenian philanthropist and leader of the 20th century. Mr. Manoogian’s being honored on Black Women's Day, recog- Armenian-American community and beyond. He built the Corporation into a major rich and active life spanned 95 years, from nize the urgency in providing such assistance. the turn of the century to the present, from Their work transcends racial barriers and fo- business entity in this nation. He used his the genocide of 1915 to the inauguration of cuses more importantly on the human spirit. wealth with immense generosity for the benefit the second free and independent Armenian For this, they have earned the fond admiration of his immediate community and the nation at Republic. large. of their communities and of mine as well. The homily at the dan gark was delivered We are thankful that he was given a long by His Eminence Archbishop Khajag The 29th annual Black Women's Day and full life. That will only make it more dif- Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Ar- Awards Banquet will honor Catherine Burno, ficult to fill the vacuum which his death leaves menian Church of America, from New York, Reba Jenkins, Oclean Pitchford, Frances for us all. who was introduced by the pastor of St. Richardson, Frances Thompson, Ruth Hender- In further remembrance of Alexander John’s Church of South field, MI, the Very son, Eola Jett, Deborah Reid-Davis, Carolyn Manoogian, I now insert into the CONGRES- Rev. Fr. Baret Yeretzian, who also expressed his love, respect, and devotion for Mr. SIONAL RECORD an article written after his Surles, and Estelle Williams for their distin- Manoogian. Archbishop Shane Ajemian from guished works of charity. Also being honored death by Dennis Papazian, a distinguished Jerusalem read the Epistle and Archbishop at this event for their contributions are Dr. scholar as well as a leader in the Armenian- Vatche Hovsepian, Primate of the Western Phillip M. Bonaparte, Esteemed Honoree, and American community. Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, Lyle Young, Man of the Year. A BEFITTING TRIBUTE TO A GREAT MAN chanted the Gospel. Archbishop Hovnan (By Dennis R. Papazian, Ph.D.) Derderian, Primate of Canada, recited the I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring The Alex Manoogian era of Armenian his- ‘‘Christos vorti,’’ Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian these remarkable women for all that they have tory, spanning 95 years, has come to a close. of New York read a message of condolence done for our communities. I am proud to have His earthly remains were laid to rest with from His Holiness Aram, I, Catholiocos of them living and performing such outstanding great dignity and solemn ceremony at the the Great House of Cilicia, in . works of charity within my congressional dis- majestic, cathedral-like St. John’s Armenian The formal eulogy at the funeral, filled trict. I greatly appreciate the efforts of all those Church of Greater Detroit, which he helped with insight and pathos worthy of the sol- to design and build, on Thursday, July 18, emn occasion, was delivered by His Holiness being honored at the banquet and encourage 1996. the Catholicos who drew attention to Mr. them to continue their work for many more The dan gark (wake) and funeral, both held Manoogian’s love for his own people, for the years. in the church, were presided over by His Ho- world community, for the Armenian Church, September 30, 1996 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1823 for the good works of the AGBU, for Arme- pended from the great parabola arches, was HONORING JOSEPH DIRENZO, JR. nian education and culture, and for all peo- tastefully decorated by large bouquets of ple great any small in America and through- white roses with cascading ivy. The black out the world. Before making his formal re- robes and cowls of the numerous clergy stood HON. ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR. OF MARYLAND marks, the Catholicos prayed for the souls of is stark and solemn contrast to the resplend- the 230 persons who had tragically lost their ent, although muted church. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lives the previous day in the TWA plane Saturday, September 28, 1996 crash. Fr. Zaven Arzoumanian of Florida The Komitas Choir of St. John’s Armenian read the Epistle and Archbishop Karekin Church was conducted by Maestro Khoren Mr. EHRLICH. Mr. Speaker, today I would Nersesian of Armenia chanted the Gospel. Meikhanedjian of New York and accom- like to honor Joseph DiRenzo, Jr., a friend, fel- Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian recited the panied by Mrs. Louise Yardumian of St. Pe- low Princeton alumni, constituent, and NCAA ‘‘Christos vorti.’’ tersburg, FL. Soloists included Ms. Maro referee. The Catholicos chose for the scriptural Partamian of New York and a quartet com- Born and raised in Union City, NJ, Joe theme of his address a reading from the Gos- prised of Mrs. Violet Cholakian, Mrs. Arlene DiRenzo graduated from Princeton University, pel of St. Matthew 26:31-46. ‘‘ ‘Come, you Baylerian, Mrs. Denise Karakashian, and which he attended on scholarship in 1956. whom my Father has blessed, take for your Mrs. Barbara Widener of metropolitan De- While a Princeton he was an All East tight end heritage the kingdom prepared for you since troit, who sang moving sharagans (hymns) on the football team. He later played pro foot- the foundation of the world. For I was hun- during the funeral service. gry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and ball with the Alouettes in the Cana- Closed circuit television carried the serv- you gave me drink I was a stranger and you dian Football League. He also served in the ices into the lobby, the chapel, and the nurs- made me welcome; naked and you clothed U.S. Army. me, sick and you visited me, in prison and ery of the attached Cultural Building where In 1963 he received his first assignment as you came to see me.’ Then the virtuous will elegant tables were set up to supplement the a collegiate referee. During nearly 30 years as say to him in reply, ‘Lord, when did we see 700-seat Cultural Hall from where the cere- a referee he officiated more than 250 games, monies of the hokejash (memorial meal), you hungry and feed you; or thirsty and give including seven bowl games; legendary coach you drink? When did we see you a stranger served to almost 1,000 persons, were also telecast. Paul ``Bear'' Bryant's last football game; and and make you welcome; naked and clothe the famous 1984 game in which Doug Flutie you; sick or in prison and go to see you?’’ Entombment services, held by the His Ho- delivered a game-winning ``Hail Mary'' pass And the King will answer, ‘I tell you sol- liness the Catholicos and the numerous cler- emnly, in so far as you did this to one of the gy from Armenia, Europe, and America, took against the University of Miami. least of these brothers of mine, you did it to place at Woodlawn Cemetery following the As a referee, Joe DiRenzo displayed both me.’ ’’ Surely, said the Catholicos, this exem- hokejash with only family members in at- common sense and great mastery of the rules plifies the life of Mr. Alex Manoogian. tendance. The casket was covered by earth of the game. One of Jose DiRenzo's fellow At the end of the funeral, His Holiness the brought from Armenia by Mr. Haroutiunian, referees said of him: ``He was an outstanding Catholicos united the mourners in inviting and the tomb was sealed by the Catholicos official who has no problem making decisions all of them to join in the singing of the Hayr with a cross. The site will be marked by a el- and was hardly ever criticized by a coach. Joe Mer. (the Lord’s Prayer). As the pipe organ egant kachkar (cross-stone) brought from was a credit to the game of football.'' soared, the voice of the congregation filled Armenia by the Catholicos. the cavernous church with brilliant song In addition to his officiating career, Joe with testified to the faith and hope of the ‘‘No one was invited to the funeral,’’ said DiRenzo was a successful executive in sev- people. the pastor of St. John’s, Fr. Baret Yeretzian, eral oil and real estate companies. He was a The clergy and the congregation marched ‘‘that is not the custom. Everyone, clergy 30-year resident of Severna Park, MD, and in solemn procession from the church into and laity, attended of his own desire out of had been active in several community organi- the Armenian Cultural Building for the me- love and respect for Mr. Manoogian. The fu- zations. morial meal which was attended by nearly neral and dan gark, attended by 2,000 persons Joe DiRenzo passed away unexpectedly on 1,000 mourners. His Eminence Archbishop over two days, were a fitting memorial to a September 13. He is survived by his wife of Vatche Hovsepian give the invocation. Lov- great and generous man.’’ 39 years, Cathy, his son, Coast Guard Lt., Joe ing comments on the personal life of Mr. ‘‘Mr. Manoogian’s genius lay in his deter- Manoogian were made by Mrs. Louise DiRenzo III, his daughter, Donna Graves, his Simone, President of the Armenian General mination to resurrect the Armenian people mother, Emilia DiRenzo, and two grand- Benevolent Union, and Mr. Richard after the genocide of 1915,’’ said Dr. Dennis children. Manoogian, Chairman of the Board of R. Papazian, a professor of history at the My thoughts and prayers go out to all of MASCO Corporation, Mr. Manoogian’s University of Michigan, Dearborn, and a resi- them during this time of sadness. daughter and son. dent of Troy, MI, ‘‘to rebuild the Armenian For myself, I am proud to call Joe DiRenzo Mr. Gagik Haroutunian delivered the con- Church, to encourage a free and independent my friend and mentor. Armenia, to preserve and expand Armenian dolences of His Excellency Levon Ter f Petrosian, president of Armenia, and offered culture, and to help the Armenian people re- his own words, of sympathy on behalf of the turn to their rightful place in the family of TRIBUTE TO THE CLIFTON entire delegation from the Republic of Arme- nations and in world history. We have truly HEIGHTS FIRE DEPARTMENT nia. Mrs. Simone then read telegrams of con- lost a great champion of the Armenian peo- dolence from President Bill Clinton of the ple.’’ United States and President Levon Ter HON. CURT WELDON ‘‘We must also not lose sight of the fact OF PENNSYLVANIA Petrosian of Armenia. that Mr. Manoogian was a great American. Telegrams were also announced from His IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES In fact his life was a monumental testimony Beatitude Torkorn Manoogian, Armenian to the greatness of America. Where else in Saturday, September 28, 1996 Patriarch of Jerusalem, and His Beatitude the world could a man rise from a poor im- Karekin Kazanjian, Armenian Patriarch of Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, Constantinople (Istanbul), which were among migrant to a captain of industry, from a next month, my friends at the Clifton Heights the thousands receive from dignitaries and homeless boy to a great world-wide philan- Fire Department will celebrate their 100th an- common folk from all over the world. Arch- thropist? Surely Mr. Manoogian represented niversary. Accordingly, I want to pay tribute to bishop Karekin Nersesian of the diocese of the American dream, and he never forgot it. He gave to all sorts of American causes. We these Americans who have put their lives on Ararat in Armenia give the benediction. the line daily to protect the citizens of Clifton ‘‘Today the entire Armenian nation is are all the poorer for his passing. He will be mourning, as we take part in the funeral sorely missed.’’ Heights, PA. services of our Patriarch,’’ said Mr. In 1896, by order of the courts, the Clifton The pallbearers were Mr. Manoogian’s Heights Fire Protection Association and the Haroutiunian during his remarks. ‘‘Alex grandsons and nephews: James Manoogian, Manoogian’s death is a tremendous loss not Richard Manoogian, Jr., David Simone, Clifton Heights Hose, Hook, and Ladder Co. only for the Armenian people. . . . Mr. Mark Simone, Brian Manoogian, Douglas received their charters. For nearly 60 years, Manoogian was an epoch-making phenome- Manoogian, Chris Christo, and Paul Christo. the two companies operated separately to pro- non who shaped history. He gave charity a vide the citizens of Clifton Heights with superb new meaning and new content; he set an ex- Security for the various dignitaries in at- tendance was provided by the Michigan fire protection. In 1956, putting all rivalry ample for teaching how to live with one’s aside, the two companies agreed to disband people and nation. He taught how to impart State Police and Masco Corporation. The devotion and love.’’ Parish Council of St. John’s Church, along and join together to form one entityÐthe Clif- The color-saturated interior of the sanc- with the Pastor, were active in preparation ton Heights Fire Co. tuary, illuminated by shafts of light pouring and administration. Cynthia Oknaian pro- Since 1956, the Clifton Heights Fire Co. has through the narrow, richly colored stained vided coordination with the various groups been one of the best trained and most aggres- glass windows and by dim golden lamps sus- involved on behalf of the Church. sive companies in Pennsylvania. With support