[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 112 (Thursday, July 9, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E663]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              REMEMBERING MR. CECILLO ``CHILO'' DIAZ, SR.

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. TIMOTHY M. KENNEDY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 9, 2026

  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life 
of Mr. Cecilio ``Chilo'' Diaz, Sr., a beloved husband, father, brother, 
and friend whose love, compassion, and devotion to his family and 
community inspired all who knew him.
  Mr. Diaz, Sr. was born on September 22, 1923 in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, 
to Mr. Anicasio Diaz and Mrs. Maria Candelaria Diaz. Mr. Diaz, Sr. 
cherished every moment spent with his family--a life filled with love 
and compassion until his passing, His greatest joy was his role as a 
devoted husband to Petronila ``Loly'' Diaz, and father to Cecilio, Jr., 
Francisco, Teresita, Crucita, Jose Antonio, Mary Anne, David, 
Elizabeth, and Richard. He was later blessed with grandchildren and 
great-grandchildren, nurturing them with the same love and kindness he 
gave to everyone in his life.
  As a proud native of Puerto Rico, Mr. Diaz, Sr. was raised with the 
strong support of his family, helping to shape him into a natural 
leader in all aspects of life. For more than three decades, he worked 
as a Boiler Operator at Bethlehem Steel, where he was known for his 
strong work ethic, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his craft. 
He took great pride in his work and earned the respect of his 
colleagues throughout his long career.
  Outside of his professional career, Mr. Diaz, Sr. remained deeply 
committed to his faith and family. He was a faithful member of St. 
Anthony's Catholic Church in Lackawanna, New York, serving as a 
minister and preaching the gospel to incarcerated individuals. One of 
the most treasured memories for those who knew him was his love for 
fishing, gardening, and playing dominos. Whether casting a line on a 
quiet morning, tending to his garden with care, or gathering with 
family and friends for a spirited game of dominoes, he found joy in 
life's simple pleasures and created lasting memories with those around 
him.
  Mr. Cecilio ``Chilo'' Diaz, Sr. lived a life of devotion to his 
family, faith, and community. His unwavering commitment to those he 
loved and his compassion towards others made a profound impact on all 
who knew him. Mr. Cecilio ``Chilo'' Diaz, Sr. was a man who believed in 
the importance of faith and family above all else and worked tirelessly 
to support those around him. His kindness, loyalty, and warmth will 
forever be remembered. Let us honor his legacy by carrying forward the 
values he lived by: family, faith, and above all, love.

                          ____________________