[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 69 (Monday, April 29, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E493]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF ERNEST ``CHUCK'' AYALA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 29, 2019

  Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
incredible life of a dear friend, Ernest ``Chuck'' Ayala. Chuck Ayala 
was a visionary leader and entrepreneur who dedicated his life to 
serving the people of San Francisco and our nation. His passing on 
April 22, 2019 at the age of 94 is a profound official loss for the 
countless San Franciscans whose lives he touched and a deep personal 
loss for his many loving friends and family.
  Chuck Ayala was a life-long San Franciscan whose deep faith compelled 
him to honor the words of our patron saint, Saint Francis who said, 
``Preach the gospel, sometimes use words.'' Whether serving in the Army 
during World War II, directing the Catholic Youth Organization's Youth 
Services or mentoring countless at-risk young people to put them on the 
path toward a brighter future, Chuck lived his faith through action and 
always looked for ways of giving back to the community he loved.
  In 1973, Chuck was inspired by his mother's immigrant experience to 
create the Centro Latino de San Francisco, a senior center dedicated to 
feeding our city's seniors and providing the resources they need to 
thrive. For over 46 years, Centro Latino has helped countless 
underserved and underrepresented seniors receive a hot meal and find a 
sense of community.
  Since Chuck started Centro Latino, it has become a full-service 
community center for over 2,500 low-income multi-ethnic seniors and 
families. The center's education initiatives have helped new immigrants 
learn English, apply for vital services and fulfill their American 
Dreams by becoming citizens. In short, Centro Latino has done nothing 
less than give thousands of San Franciscans a sense of dignity and 
worth.
  From city hall to the White House, Chuck never failed to make his 
voice heard. It was an honor to nominate Chuck to the White House 
Conference on Aging to ensure that our nation's leaders were listening 
to the grassroots activists who are on the ground caring for our 
seniors and their families.
  For Chuck and the love of his life, his late wife, Bernice, their 
greatest source of joy was family. Over their 56 years together, Chuck 
and Bernice raised a beautiful family and created a legacy of service 
and advocacy that will continue to improve the lives of San Franciscans 
and all Americans for generations to come.
  May it be a comfort to Chuck's daughter, Darlene, sons, Mike and Joe, 
grandchildren and the entire Ayala family that Chuck and his beloved 
Bernice have been reunited. May it also be a comfort that so many mourn 
with and pray for them during this sad time.

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