- Record: Extensions of Remarks
- Section type: Floor speeches
- Chamber: House
- Date: July 9, 2026
- Congress: 119th Congress
- Why this source matters: Extensions of Remarks are statements submitted for the official record, even if they were not spoken live on the floor.
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.