TRIBUTE TO ANDY DIVINCENZO-HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER (Extensions of Remarks - February 06, 2004)
HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER
OF NEW YORK
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2004
Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a great man who will be sorely missed: Andy DiVincenzo of Buffalo, New York.
Some people seem to have a special talent for success, a kind of Midas touch. Andy DiVincenzo was one of those people. Whether in his business and culinary endeavors, his charitable work, or his family life, Andy imbued everything he did with a special charm, energy, and passion.
Andy was the founder, head chef, and owner of the famed restaurant Billy Ogden's, which opened in the Lovejoy area of Buffalo in 1989. Since opening, both Andy and Billy Ogden's have received numerous four-star reviews. For 10 years running, Andy was selected to represent the Buffalo Bills at the Super Bowl's famous Taste of the NFL, where the Nation's finest chefs, as well as NFL legends, volunteer their time in support of hunger relief efforts throughout the country. Though busy with his restaurant and catering business, Andy also dedicated himself to numerous charitable causes. He devoted time to the Kids Escaping Drugs program and served on the board of the famous Camp Good Days and Special Times, which serves children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
Within the local community, Andy was adored, known for his big heart and willingness to help people. He believed everyone deserved a second chance and worked to help provide it. Buffalo, Western New York, and, indeed, the world are better places for having had Andy DiVincenzo among us.
Tragically, Andy has been taken from us too soon and too young. He passed away in his sleep on January 25 at the age of 52. He left behind a loving family, including his wife, Eleanor, daughters Tara and Adriana, and mother, Viola. These were the women in his life to whom he could never deny anything and for whom he would do anything to please. His siblings, Frank and Donna, as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, and others all join in mourning his death.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the remarkable life of Andy DiVincenzo and in extending our sincere condolences to his family.
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