Floor SpeechNeutral2026-09-24

HONORING THE LIFE OF ERNEST N. "ERNIE" LAFLAMME, JR.

Veterans

Context

On 2026-09-24, Representative Richard E. Neal (D-MA-1) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE OF ERNEST N. "ERNIE" LAFLAMME, JR." in the House.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE OF ERNEST N. "ERNIE" LAFLAMME, JR.

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026) [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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HONORING THE LIFE OF ERNEST N. "ERNIE" LAFLAMME, JR. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026) [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. ____________________