[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 140 (Tuesday, September 10, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E876-E877]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LEGACY OF LUCIO ``CHIO'' GONZALES

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 10, 2024

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the incomparable spirit 
and extraordinary life of Lucio ``Chio'' Gonzales; a true icon whose 
legacy transcends the ordinary.
  Born on December 15, 1931, to Claro Sr. and Francisca Guzman. Chio 
was not just a man, he was a force of advocacy, embodying the essence 
of California's oldest civic traditions.
  A native of Blythe, California, Chio settled in the Central Valley 
after spending his early years working as a migrant farmworker in the 
region's rich agricultural fields. He met his late wife Butter in the 
historic farmworker community of Delano in 1946. It was love at first 
sight for both Butter and Chio, and their love would endure for all the 
years to come as they married on November 24, 1956. The couple took 
over ownership of the People's Market in 1969, and the two worked 
together side by side managing the grocery store in Delano for over 40 
years.
  The Gonzales family formed a strong bond over the years with the 
Filipino Community of Delano. They served as advocates and allies for 
the inclusion and representation of Filipinos in Delano civic life. 
Their efforts played an instrumental role in electing the first 
Filipino American to serve on the elected body and worked to ensure the 
success of Delano's Philippine Weekend community celebration for the 
last 45 years. Chio engaged in a rich tapestry of civil service 
activities for the improvement of the community he loved so much. He 
founded the local chapter of the Mexican-

[[Page E877]]

American Political Organization, aided the founding of the Ideal Club, 
and helped register people to vote at his market. Additionally, Chio 
served in a variety of different capacities through his memberships in 
the Delano City Planning Commission, St. Mary's School Board, Kern 
County Board of Trade, Delano Elementary School Board, and the 
Department of Corrections Citizens Advisory Committee.
  His love for life was not only confined to politics and community 
service but also translated to the field with a lifelong passion and 
loyalty to the Dodgers. Lucio also loved playing golf with his sons and 
enjoyed attending church every Sunday with his beloved wife Butter.
  In Chio's passing, we celebrate a life that embraced adventure, 
challenged norms, and left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate 
enough to know him. His legacy lives on in his family; daughter Hedi 
and sons Eddie and Anthony. May we draw inspiration from Chio's 
enduring spirit and the richness of a life well-lived. I extend my 
deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who mourn the loss 
of this remarkable Californian.
  Mr. Speaker, I invite my esteemed colleagues to join me in paying 
tribute to the memory of Lucio ``Chio'' Gonzales.

                          ____________________