[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 18 (Friday, January 28, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E72]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF FORMER FALL RIVER MAYOR ROBERT ``BOB'' CORREIA

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                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 28, 2022

  Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of 
Robert Correia, former Majority Whip of the Massachusetts House of 
Representatives and mayor of Fall River, Massachusetts.
  Born and raised in Fall River, Bob graduated from B.M.C. Durfee High 
School. He would go on to attend the University of Massachusetts 
Dartmouth and Bridgewater State University. where he earned a Master's 
degree in Education. Soon after, Bob decided to serve our country and 
joined the U.S, Marines. After an honorable discharge in 1962, he 
became a math and science teacher at the Henry Lord School in Fall 
River.
  Later in 1977, desiring to further serve his community, Bob ran for 
local office and was elected to the Massachusetts House of 
Representatives. Representing the Bristol 12th and 7th District 
respectively. Bob was proud of his city and his Portuguese heritage. In 
1985, he founded Heritage Day of Portugal commemoration at the state 
house on Beacon Hill, an annual event that continues to this day. 
Holding several important positions over his decades of service. Bob 
became Majority Whip of the House of Representatives in 2002. A 
successful legislator, he secured state funding to develop the 
boardwalk that runs along the Taunton River. A boardwalk that since 
2018, now bears his name. He also secured funding to repair the USS 
Massachusetts battleship at Quincy's Fore River Shipyard. Years later, 
in 2007, Bob was elected Fall River's 41st Mayor.
  Beyond public service, Bob was the husband of his high school 
sweetheart, Patricia. for 60 years. Bob loved his family which included 
his 3 children, Robert Jr., Susan, and Mark. many grandchildren, great 
grandchildren. and nieces and nephews. Bob passed away on July 2, 2021. 
His commitment to Fall River and the people of Massachusetts will be 
remembered through his long-lasting contributions and his role as 
`Mayor Bob.'
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of Robert Correia. a 
former colleague and friend. I ask that my colleagues join me in 
recognizing his many decades of public service.

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