[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E969]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





         HONORING THE LIFE OF ERNEST N. ``ERNIE'' LAFLAMME, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 24, 2026

  Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join a grateful Chicopee community 
in mourning the loss of a true giant in the City of Chicopee, Ernest N. 
``Ernie'' Laflamme, Jr.
  Often referred to as the ``Dean'' of Chicopee, Ernie affectionately 
earned this distinction after faithfully serving the city for more than 
five decades, spanning 12 mayoral administrations and serving as both 
Assessor and then as Treasurer. A dedicated public servant, Ernie 
understood that holding public office is a privilege and that earning 
the trust of the people you serve should never be taken for granted. 
For years, Ernie was a constant presence in City Hall for residents and 
public servants alike, serving as a trusted source of wisdom, 
institutional knowledge, and friendship.
  Beyond his work in public service, Ernie was a devout Catholic and a 
steadfast believer in giving back to his community. From mentoring 
young people through the Boy Scouts and supporting Sunshine Village, to 
his involvement with the Knights of Columbus and the Chicopee Chamber 
of Commerce, and his unrelenting support for our veterans, there is not 
a corner of the city that has not benefited from Ernie's efforts. While 
the list of charitable causes is too numerous to name, one thing 
remained constant: Ernie lived a life defined by service to others. Few 
have given more of themselves to the community he cared for so deeply 
and felt privileged to call home.
  While his passing leaves a profound void in the city, I have no doubt 
that Ernie's legacy will live on not only through the generations of 
public servants he inspired, but through his children, grandchildren, 
and the generations of Laflammes who will carry forward the values of 
faith, family, and service that guided his life.
  I thank Ernie's family for sharing Ernie with us for all these years. 
The City of Chicopee and all of western Massachusetts are better off 
because of Ernie's extraordinary life of service. Mr. Speaker, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in honoring the extraordinary life of Ernest N. 
Laflamme, Jr., and extending our deepest condolences to his family, 
friends, and the entire Chicopee community.

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