Herb Kohl: “I rise today to pay tribute to an exemplary citizen from Racine, WI, the late Nicola Pavia. Mr. Pavia passed away April…”

“I rise today to pay tribute to an exemplary citizen from Racine, WI, the late Nicola Pavia. Mr. Pavia passed away April 7 of this year, but the people of Racine will forever remember his hardworking, charitable spirit. The son of Italian immigrants, Mr. Pavia worked hard for his living and for his community. In 1942, he went to work at the Wisconsin Telephone Co., taking night classes in clock and watch repair to improve his skills. When he retired in 1976, Mr. Pavia continued to work diligently for the good of his community. He repaired recording devices for the blind as part of the Telephone Pioneers of America's 'Talking Books for the Blind Program.' He volunteered for the Red Cross and Saint Luke's Hospital in Racine, driving individuals to health care facilities throughout Wisconsin. He also donated his services for a YMCA camp, Camp Tamarack in Wisconsin, and the First Baptist Church of Racine. The people of Wisconsin will always remember Mr. Pavia's charity by the hundreds of birdhouses he made for the people he knew. The skilled carpenter even took the liberty of putting a few on the grounds of the Racine Zoo. These symbols of his selflessness will survive him for generations. Mr. Pavia cared deeply about everyone, from his wife, Mary, children, eight grandchildren, and five great grandchildren to all the people he helped through his kind acts. He was truly a great citizen of Wisconsin and the United States of America. We will miss him dearly.”