[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 6, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E11]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN HONOR OF THE LATE MR. ANTONIO DIAS CHAVES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. LORI TRAHAN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 6, 2021

  Mrs. TRAHAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions 
and legacy of Mr. Antonio Dias Chaves, a proud Portuguese immigrant who 
made Hudson, Massachusetts his home and dedicated his life and career 
to public service and the prosperity of the Portuguese community in 
Massachusetts. He tragically passed away due to COVID-19 on December 
31, 2020.
  From 1967 when Antonio immigrated to the United States from the 
Azores until his death, he worked tirelessly to make his country and 
community a better place. Shortly after his arrival, he enlisted in the 
Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. His public 
service did not end there. Rather, it was just the beginning. In 1978, 
Antonio became the first Portuguese-American elected to the Hudson 
Board of Selectmen and just the second elected Portuguese-American in 
all of Massachusetts. His passion for politics blossomed and he 
developed friendships with many political leaders throughout the 
Commonwealth and beyond--all to give back to his country, support his 
community, and most importantly, help others.
  Antonio's impact on the Portuguese diaspora in Massachusetts cannot 
be understated nor can his commitment to helping other immigrants 
achieve the American Dream. Antonio helped thousands of people make a 
life for themselves and their families in America as both an 
immigration consultant and a public servant with the Massachusetts 
Office of Refugees and Immigrants. As a former congressional staffer 
and member of Congress, I had the opportunity see first-hand Antonio's 
determined advocacy for helping others, his devotion to his community, 
his pride in his heritage, and of course, his passion for the Hudson 
Portuguese Club. I will miss seeing him among families and friends 
during dinners or feasts at the Club, where he could usually be found 
as the resident Master of Ceremonies, hosting in the restaurant, 
cheering on his favorite team (Sporting Clube de Portugal), having a 
toast with friends, or tending to duties as the president of the 
general assembly.
  For his contributions and accomplishments, he was awarded one of the 
highest civilian honors bestowed by the Portuguese Government, the 
Order of Merit and the title of ``Comendador''. Throughout his life, 
Antonio would receive numerous recognitions from State and local 
government and other distinguished organizations for his work in the 
community through the Hudson Portuguese Club and Portugal 73, one of 
the oldest continually running Portuguese radio shows in the world. 
Recently, Antonio authored and published ``Os Meus Imperios'', a memoir 
of establishing the Holy Ghost Festival or ``Imperio'' in Massachusetts 
and Rhode Island.
  Antonio will be remembered for his love for his family, our great 
nation, unparalleled friendship, passion for helping others, and pride 
in his Portuguese heritage. His contributions to our community and 
grateful nation will never be forgotten. My heart goes out to Zelia, 
Derek, and the entire Chaves family during this difficult time. 
Antonio's legacy will live on through his loving family and all of us 
who had the honor of calling him a friend

                          ____________________