WWII “Trailblazer” Avelino "Chappy" Rose's 100th Birthday

WWII “Trailblazer” Avelino "Chappy" Rose's 100th Birthday

 

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Avelino "Chappy" Rose has seen it all.

He was born in East Providence a century ago -- and just celebrated his 100th birthday.

Chappy was born on March 21, 1924, in the City of East Providence. He was the oldest child of Jose DaRosa of the Cape Verdean island of Fogo and Annie Brito Rose of the Cape Verdean island of Brava. As the oldest of 4 children, Chappy's father passed when he was just 12 years old, forcing him to drop out of school eventually in the 9th grade to work various odd jobs to help support his family. 

That is what was done at the time.

In 1942, Chappy,  at the age of 18, enlisted in the military during WWII. As a corporal, he served in the 1883rd Company Aviation Engineers, attached to the 10th Air Force in China-Burma-India. According to historians, these soldiers were called the "Trailblazers," and they cut roads in one of the most complex theaters of WWII. Chappy served in the segregated "colored" unit and fought for America in far-off lands, including Burma and India. 

After completing his military service, Chappy received the prestigious Purple Heart citation for his military service. Among the many community honors and achievements he has received over the years are the 1st Black/Cape Verdean Processing Sheriff (able to leave the courthouse and serve papers in the community), the 1st Black/Cape Verdean Waterfront Superintendent for John J. Orr & Sons, and the Commander of the China-Burma-India Veterans. 

Recently, family members and close friends from the Black/Cape Verdean community in East Providence and Fox Point (Providence) celebrated Avelino "Chappy" Rose's 100th birthday at the Venus De Milo restaurant in Swansea, MA. They came to celebrate his life-long accomplishments and community commitment. It should be mentioned that "Chappy" is my father-in-law too. 

 

Gabe Amo — Makes the Effort

Senators Jack Reed, Sheldon Whitehouse, and Congressman Seth Magaziner sent congressional citations for "Chappy" at the birthday party -- Ona Moniz-John, "Chappy's" niece, presented and recited the citations on their behalf.

Congressman Gabe Amo, who was in Washington D.C. during the birthday celebration, informed Moniz-John that he would hand-deliver the Congressional citation to "Chappy'" at his residence upon returning to Rhode Island.

As promised, Amo arrived at "Chappy's" residence this past Wednesday and hand-delivered the citation to him.

According to Moniz-John, Chappy was "overwhelmed by emotion and gratitude and had trouble expressing himself. Chappy thanked the Congressman for the citation and for delivering it in person."

"Chappy" has been a mentor, role model, and invaluable Fox Point and East Providence Cape Verdean community member since the early 1950s. Chappy has done more repair work for the CV Club since the building of the front bar in 1952 and later the Founders Hall than anyone. Before residing in East Providence, Chappette, his wife Aunt Alice, and their family lived on Wickenden Street in Fox Point, the oldest settlement of Cape Verdeans in America, along with New Bedford. But his home was East Providence.