The meeting was a recognition ceremony celebrating Dave's Fish Market and its founders, Lazaro and Maria Sardinia, for their 65 years of service and generosity to the community of Fall River, Massachusetts. The business, which opened in 1961, was highlighted for its consistent support, including providing jobs and furnished apartments to families from Aqua Rtor, forgiving customer debts, and donating to city food banks. Maria Sardinia, now 94, continues the legacy after Lazaro's passing in 2000, with the help of their sons, Michael and David.
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After an accident while working at the old department store, Lazaro decided to buy this corner store, which was the laundromat and start Dave's Fish Market.
0:32Receiving help from the owners of Billy's Cafe, their strongest piece of advice was to give back to the community and always be grateful for what you have, which is what they've consistently done. In ' 61, the doors to Dave's Fish Market opened, and they've been here for 65 years. As the business became successful, Lazaro gave back in so many ways. He would bring in families from
0:54his hometown, Aqua Rtor, and give them an apartment fully furnished in a job so they could also chase their dreams.
1:02There were times that customers had running tabs and would sometimes be unable to pay. Lazaro would forgive the debt. Lazaro and Maria have given and Maria continues to give to those in need to the food banks in the city of Fall River. No one is ever turned away at Dave's. This type of generosity is not seen very often, but today we want to acknowledge their kindness over the years of taking care of some of ours
1:29that are in need. Maria has kept going on for all these years since Lazaro passed away in 2000. The sons, Michael and David, have stepped in in a big way to help keep the business going strong.
1:41They built a family legacy here in Fall River, and at the age of 94, she still continues to build on that legacy. I want to congratulate Maria, her late husband, and her sons and bring them a Far River icon award and thank them for all they've done for the city of Fall River and continue to do.
2:03Also today I do want to acknowledge I'm joined by city councelor Michael Canuel and um um Carly from rep's office will have an award in a second but we want to present you with a bat and acknowledge your great contributions to city fall river. It's got the names on it. You can put it up now. Don't get upset please. We love you. Just hang so that don't let David have this either. I don't want him swinging.
2:33Yeah.
2:36Yeah. Come on.
2:40Come here.
2:42Michael, come on.
2:45Congratulations.
2:49Do you want to That's not the only award we'd like to present you today. This is a citation from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts House of Representatives to present to be presented to um yourself and your late husband Lazero Sardinia. So the citation this morning, it reads, "Be it hereby known to all that the Massachusetts House of Representatives offers its sincerest congratulations to Maria Sardinia and
3:13the late Lazero Sardinia in recognition of over 65 years of David's Fish Market.
3:19Thank you for the years of generosity that you both displayed towards friends, family, and the city of Fall River. The entire membership extends its very best wishes and expresses the hope for its future good fortune and continued success in all endeavors given this fifth day of March 2026. Signed by the speaker of the house and presented by representative Carol Fiola. Thank you very much. We like to congratulate you
3:43on behalf of the entire state delegation.
3:51And I know he doesn't like to go on camera, but I do want to again acknowledge Louis Leoo for this great contribution. He's got me running around all over the city with him and it is an absolute privilege. I don't regret one time he calls us to ask us to do one of these things and he really goes to give back to the community. Did you want to come up John or you want to wait? So
4:09also with us today is a retired policeman John Le Point.
4:14Congratulations.
4:28never get to get any chance to kiss a nice woman.
4:33All right, guys. That wraps it up.
4:35Unless you want to say something, David?
4:36No, I'm good.
4:37Your mom want to say something?
4:39Thank you very much.
4:40Okay, that's Thank you.
4:42I want to acknowledge my uh mom.
4:44Go ahead. Go ahead. Just do it. Right to the mic.
4:46I want to acknowledge my mom, my brother's girl, and my wife.
4:52That's it.
4:53Thank you. Thank you guys.