Tribute to Major General Amato Matty Semenza

TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL AMATO MATTY SEMENZA -- (Extensions of Remarks - February 12, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. JOSÉ E. SERRANO
OF NEW YORK
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2004

Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I rise today to pay tribute to Major General Amato Matty Semenza, a dedicated and determined community leader who passed away suddenly on Sunday, February 1, 2004 at his home. Friends, family and community members will gather on Friday, February 13 at 11 a.m. at St. Edward's the Confessor Church in Clifton Park to honor his memory.

General Semenza was appointed commanding general of the New York State Guard by Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller on July 20, 1973, after serving as deputy commanding general. He served as commander until 1987. The General served the United States with distinction during his military career.

The numerous decorations, citations and commendations bestowed upon him, speak volume about the character of General Semenza. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Unit Citation, the American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign, the World War II Victory and Occupation Medals, the New York State Conspicuous Medal, the NYG Commendation Medal, the NYS Long and Faithful Service Decoration for 25 years of military service and the New York Guard Medal. General Semenza also served as the president of the State Defense Force Association of the United States.

General Semenza earned his Bachelor of Science degree and master's degree in education from Fordham University. He began his teaching career in 1946 and 2 years later joined the faculty of Fordham College, where he met his wife, Renata Gouthier.

In 1955, General Semenza began his work with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany. He served as diocesan superintendent of schools, director of the Diocesan Development and Stewardship Office and executive director of the National Catholic Stewardship Council Inc. He was appointed to the New York State Council of Catholic School Superintendents, chief administrator of the National Catholic Education Association and the American Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Beyond General Semenza's ceaseless civic work, he managed to be a loving and involved husband, father, and grandfather. To be well-known as not only a giving and determined individual, but also as a devoted family man, is a remarkable honor. I am sure that his family is very proud of the wonderful life he led. General Semenza was a wonderful individual who showed us the beauty and power of dedication, leadership, and wisdom. He was truly an inspiration to all who knew him.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating the life of Major General Amato Matty Semenza.