Congressional Record/Volume 167/Issue 4/Extensions of Remarks/In Honor of the Late Mr. Antonio Dias Chaves
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.