HONORING MR. JOSEPH DECOSIMO

On 2025-05-20, Representative Charles J. "Chuck" Fleischmann (R-TN-3) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING MR. JOSEPH DECOSIMO" in the House.

HONORING MR. JOSEPH DECOSIMO

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 85 (Tuesday, May 20, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 20, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E453] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MR. JOSEPH DECOSIMO ______ HON. CHARLES J. ``CHUCK'' FLEISCHMANN of tennessee in the house of representatives Tuesday, May 20, 2025 Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Joseph F. Decosimo of Chattanooga, Tennessee, on his 100th birthday, and to recognize his commitment to the Chattanooga community. Joe was born to immigrant parents in 1925. After graduating from high school, he served in the United States Navy during World War II. After the war, Joe attended the University of Georgia on the GI Bill, earning his degree in accounting before earning his MBA from the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University. Joe and his wife, Rachel, then returned to Chattanooga, where he began his first job as a certified public accountant. In 1971, he started his own firm, Joseph Decosimo & Company. He would go on to hire four of his nine children at the growing firm. JD&Co would grow into one of Tennessee's largest accounting firms, employing over 300 people. He would take the knowledge gained from this to found Decosimo Corporate Finance, where he continues serving as Principal Emeritus. Joe's involvement in our community can be seen through the legacy of his name. In 2014, the University of Tennessee--Chattanooga honored his support and involvement with the Joseph F. Decosimo Student Success Center within the University's Rollins College of Business. Further, Joe has established two scholarships and a professorship in Accounting at UTC and has served as a teacher, advocate, and supporter of the University and the Rollins College of Business. Joe also served as a founding member of the stadium board for Finley Stadium and was instrumental in the construction of the stadium. Joe has served in key board positions at several Fortune 500 companies and has been involved in several civic and professional organizations during his career. He served as president of the TN CPA Society and as chair of the Tennessee State Board of Accountancy. Joe also chaired the Chattanooga United Way Board of Directors and led its annual campaign drive, served as a founding board member of the Hamilton County/Chattanooga Convention Center, served on the board of the Chattanooga Bible Institute (now Richmont Graduate University), served as senior investment advisor to the Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, and as President of the Chattanooga Rotary Club. He was honored by the Chattanooga Kiwanis Club as their Person of the Year and was King of the Chattanooga Cotton Ball, an annual event to raise money for charities to benefit women and children in need in the Chattanooga area. Joe has served as chairman for numerous charitable drives that have raised millions of dollars for the Chattanooga community. Joe's legacy is also reflected in his family. Joe and Rachel were married on September 27, 1949, and celebrated their 75th anniversary this past year, and are parents to nine children and 72 grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His children and grandchildren continue to serve the community as business and civic engagement leaders throughout Chattanooga. Joe is a parishioner of St. Augustine Catholic Church of Signal Mountain. It is with great pride and profound gratitude that I recognize Joseph F. Decosimo for his extraordinary service to our community. His dedication, leadership, and contributions stand as a model of service. I have been fortunate to know Joe as a personal friend and stand to express my sincere appreciation for all he has done in support of our great Nation and community. ____________________