[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E474]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING MR. OTTO IGNACIO COELHO, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 24, 2010

  Mr. CARDOZA. Madam Speaker, Congressman Costa and I rise today to 
honor the life of our dear friend, Mr. Otto Ignacio Coelho, Sr., a long 
time resident of Hilmar, California. Mr. Coelho passed away at the age 
of 92. Mr. Coelho was a strong leader of the community and served on 
numerous Portuguese organizations. Although a native of Tulare, 
California, he made Hilmar his home. He was one of six children born to 
Pauline and Pedro Coelho who immigrated to the United States from 
Terceira, the Azores in Portugal.
  Otto was raised on the family dairy until his family moved to 
Monterey. His father was a fisherman and Otto worked for a time selling 
the fish his father and brother caught. Otto eventually returned to the 
Central Valley and the dairy industry. On September 3, 1938, Otto 
married the love of his life, Alice Branco, whom he had known since 
childhood. Otto was involved in the dairy industry until the 1960s, 
after which time he did custom farming and later was active in farm 
equipment sales for N&S Tractor Company.
  After retirement, Otto became even more involved in the Pentecost 
celebrations he had loved since a child. He was a member of the Dos 
Palos DES Stevinson Pentecost Association, Nossa Senhora do Rosario of 
Hilmar, and Our Lady of Fatima Los Banos. He greatly enjoyed making the 
rounds to collect for Festa celebrations throughout the valley, and 
proudly kept his route books. He was a member of the SES. Otto was also 
deeply devoted to his Catholic faith, and was a long-time member and 
officer of the YMI at Holy Rosary St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hilmar, 
where he lived since 1965. He also belonged to the Knights of Columbus 
and was active in Casa da Azores in Hilmar.
  Otto and Alice raised four children, Otto Jr. (Claudette) of Madera, 
Gilbert (Carol) of Firebaugh, Tony (Phyllis) of Delaware, and Susan 
Mattos of Newman. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 24 great-
grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. He is also survived by his 
sisters, Mercedes Martins of Watsonville, Nira Jean Perry (Joe) of 
Hollister, and Lee Coelho (Nancy) of Lemoore.
  Otto Coelho was a pillar of our community. His strong sense of faith, 
family, and community speak volumes for generations to come. It is our 
honor to recognize Otto Coelho and to honor his legacy at this time. We 
extend our deepest sympathy to his family on their loss.

                          ____________________