Fourth of July Celebration - 2008 Hattie Brown Award

The Hattie Brown Award is presented each year by the Fourth of July Committee to a worthy Bristolian who demonstrates the same spirit of community service that was so much the distinguishable trait of Hattie Brown. Hattie was involved with many organizations and charities throughout the State during her life. She was an active member of the Bristol Fourth of July Committee. Hattie was well known for her charitable activities and her spirit of ecumenism. Regardless of whether it was a church, synagogue, youth organization or fraternal order, she could always be depended on for her support. The presentation of this award is to recognize her contribution to the many people and organizations that benefited from her commitment to humankind.

The Hattie Brown Award recipient for the 223rd Fourth of July Celebration is Herculano S. Falcoa.

Mr. Falcoa was born in Bristol, Rhode Island, on January 8, 1938. He is the son of the late Manuel and Mary (Almeida) Falcoa. He is the husband of Donna (Thivierge) Falcoa. He has two daughters, Susan Falcoa and Laurie Mulgrew and one grandson, Patrick Mulgrew. He has two brothers, Manuel Sousa of Swansea, MA and Raymond Falcoa of Estero, FL.

He is a lifelong Bristol resident. He graduated from Colt Memorial High School in 1957. While in high school, he served as President of his Junior Class and served as an Executive Board member during his senior year of high school.

He served in Battery C, Rhode Island National Guard, for eight years.

He retired in April 2002 from Triangle Wire & Cable, Pawtucket, RI, after 42 years of service. He works part time for Smith Funeral & Memorial Services of Warren, RI, and George C. Lima Funeral Home of Bristol, RI..

During his days as an athlete at Colt Memorial High School, he starred in football as an offensive center and as a middle linebacker and tackle on defense. He was an All-Division selection in 1956. In 1962, he helped found the Bristol Midget Football League. He was also a coach in the league and served as a coach in the King Philip Little League. He was inducted into the Bristol Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997 and has been a member of the Hall of Fame Committee since that time.

He is a life member of the Eveready Fire & Hose Co. No. 2, which he joined in 1960 and has been a member of the Bristol Rescue Squad since 1961 and went through the ranks, serving as Captain from 1980-1985. He has been a member of the Bristol Firemen's Memorial and Welfare Committee since 1985, serving as Chairman in 1996. He has been a member of the Bristol Fire Police since 1995, a life member of Engine 4 and still volunteers every year at their annual clam boil.

He also volunteers his cooking talents for the Ladies Auxiliary of the Bristol Volunteer Fire Department at their annual May Breakfast and other fundraising efforts sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary.

Congratulations to Herculano S. Falcoa. On behalf of the Bristol Fourth of July Committee and our Community, thank you for your many years of service and commitment.