b"Is there anything else you want to tell us?I'm just grateful to the union for giving me the ability to start at six and to go up to a higher rate and to get additional money into my pension and to be able to retire with a couple of pennies. I am truly grateful for that.We are truly grateful for your time and thoughts today.\x02Rocco BrienzaHealth Department CustodianMember since 1982Rocco came to the New York City from Italy in December, 1955. After only threeyears in the United States, he was drafted in the U.S. Army. This took him to Virginiaand Texas, and finally to Germany. In the Army, he had the opportunity to master theEnglish language and to work in the Medics Unit.Upon returning to the United States, he resumed his work as a tailor in the garment industry. He performed his tradeuntil 1982, at which time he accepted the position of custodial assistant with the Health Department. Given a choice ofdepartments, Rocco selected the Department of Health because of his previous experience in the Medics, and because hesaw the importance of the Department that touches every individual, adults, children, seniors, homeless.Personally, he admits, I feel privileged to work for the Health Department. In his position as maintenance person,Rocco works closely with many people. He enjoys maintaining a clean and pleasant environment. When setting up theBoard Room for the many meetings that take place daily, he takes extra care in assuring that the participants have all thenecessary comforts and that the Department looks good in the eyes of the visitors and guests.He remembers with pride the words Mr. Verrilli spoke to him during the hiring interview. This place is like a familyand each worker is an important member of it. Rocco has managed to make everyone who works for him feel at home.Through his example of punctuality, honesty, and hard work, he encourages others to do the same. I wish I hadjoined the Department earlier, Rocco says frequently. What he loves most about his job are the people. Everyone, nomatter how high the position held, is kind and appreciative.Rocco and his wife Senta, whom he met while in Germany, have two children, Roger and Jeffrey.One of Roccos many talents made him very popular in his hometown as a young teen: he successfully played theleading roles in several plays and was admired as a creative comic actor.159 "