[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 121 (Friday, September 5, 2003)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1722] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] TRIBUTE TO DR. WILLIAM ANTHONY CARNAZZO ______ HON. SAM FARR of california in the house of representatives Friday, September 5, 2003 Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. William Anthony Carnazzo who passed away on June 19, 2003 after having led a long life of dedicated service to his community. During his lifetime, Dr. Carnazzo not only served his country in the U.S. Army 7th Infantry Division for three years during World War II, where he earned a Bronze Star for his bravery, but also provided the County of Monterey with the invaluable commitment and service of a talented physician. Most importantly, however, he was a devoted husband and father. He is survived by his wife, Betty; two sons, Gerald Carnazzo of Coral de Tierra and William Carnazzo, Jr. of New Castle; two daughters, Gigi Knudtson and Carol Brown, both of Granite Bay; and two stepsons, Chip Worthington of Rohnert Park and Greg Worthington of Zion, Utah. Sadly, Dr. Bill's first wife, Carmel Carnazzo, passed away in 1974 after decades of love and friendship together. However, on a cruise ship the following year, Dr. Bill met and later married Betty, with whom he spent the rest of his life, becoming one of the few lucky people to find their true love twice in one lifetime! ``Doctor Bill,'' as his many friends knew him, lived in Monterey for 64 years. He was born in Carlentini, Sicily on May 23, 1915. Soon after his birth, his mother, Josephine Carnazzo, brought him to Omaha, Nebraska to join his father, Salvatore Carnazzo. Bill attended elementary and high school in Omaha and excelled in both academics and sports, particularly wrestling and football. In 1931, Dr. Bill entered Creighton University's premedical program and subsequently graduated with honors. He then entered the Creighton University School of Medicine, where he received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1938. On June 12, 1939, he and Carmel Ann Circo were married in Omaha. While on their honeymoon in Monterey, they were convinced by friends in the area that it would be a great place to start a practice and family. After seeing the beautiful landscape of Monterey, they agreed and later that same year they relocated to Monterey. In 1972, Dr. Bill's son, Dr. Jerry Carnazzo, joined the family practice. After 55 years of medicine, Dr. Bill retired in 1990. Oddly enough, his practice began and ended with the same patient and friend Ted Melicia, but such long-term care and attention was his calling card. Dr. Bill's life was one of great service and commitment. He spent seven years on the board of what was then Monterey Unified School District. In 1946, he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the middle of a heated controversy regarding building a community college in Monterey. Two years later, Dr. Bill cast the deciding vote that resulted in the creation of Monterey Peninsula College, which has become a landmark educational institution for the residents of Monterey and the surrounding area. His work will continue on as he left a permanent mark in many facets of life for the Monterey Peninsula, especially education. Dr. Bill's gentle, kind, humble and generous spirit touched both young and old in his private life and professional medical life. He was known and well respected for his selflessness and his ability to instill others with optimism and confidence. Dr. Bill's service is admirable and his character and dedication have made lasting impacts on our community and the people with whom he worked. It is an honor for me to pay tribute to the rich life and work of Dr. William Carnazzo. ____________________