Dennis Rezendes Azorean Ancestral and Personal Life collection

Mr. Rezendes is best described, in his own words, by the chapter titled “Reflections” in Looking Back to the Future: A Personal Journey. Volume 2. In this chapter he identifies three individuals and three experiences which most helped to define him and are listed below. The following text has been modified to include full names and dates. My father [Joao de Medeiros, Rezendes born September 13, 1903 in the village of Agua Retorta on the island of Saint Michael, Azores married my mother Martina Souza Barreira who was born in Fall River, Massachusetts on June 2, 1911], with his unwavering sense of ethics, his humanity and his steadfastness in assisting others, even with his own limited resources, provided me with a model to imitate. He created this model by example, offering very few words and never, ever lecturing. Although I have faltered from time to time, I have always strived to adhere to his example. My total formal educational experience [Pine Street School in 1934, John W. Coughlin School, Durfee High School in 1944, University of Maine-Orono in 1954, Wharton School of Business 1959] has immeasurably enhanced my life and the values instilled in me at home were solidified. These many dedicated and gifted teachers opened so many doors for me and set me on a continuous learning adventure. The greatest gift I received from them was learning how to learn, to explore the unknown and to use the knowledge not only for my own betterment but also for others. I include Richard C. Lee, the mayor of New Haven, Connecticut, who saw in me what I didn’t see in myself. Our common bond of trust, along with his faith and confidence in me, allowed me to grow professionally, an exponentially, each of the eleven years I served in his administration [1959-1969]. My wife, Beau, [Jacqueline Beau Rezendes, married June 25st, 1981], who by her quiet example and her unique ability to place before me challenging opportunities, has enriched my life. Her skill at guiding me through the frustrating dark tunnels and assuring me there was an end and light awaiting has sustained me and given me the inner strength to seek new challenges. Thirty days in Africa, where I experienced every single emotion and was awed by the wildness of the animals and the love of the people. I left Africa humbled by the experience. For the first time in my life, I discovered that as much as I know, I know so very little. My experience with hospice [commencing in 1973], including my leadership role, the association with so many giving and dedicated people and the patients/families who received hospice care, gave me a different dimension on life. I developed a greater understanding of the importance of visibly expressing one’s emotions. The experience also gave me a greater understanding of how precious every life is from birth to death. I have also learned the real meaning and power of love.