Kearny Names Residents Beatriz and Victor Santos Senior Citizens of the Year
On May 11, 2021, during the Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Town Council, Mayor Alberto G. Santos issued a Proclamation recognizing Beatriz and Victor Santos as Kearny’s Senior Citizens of the Year. Each year, Mayor Santos selects a senior citizen from the community who has shown outstanding service to their families and the Kearny community.
Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise also issued a citation in honor of the occasion and the County’s Department of Health and Human Services Office on Aging highlighted the celebration in a Virtual Senior of the Year Awards video, which includes outstanding senior citizens from all twelve of the municipalities in Hudson County.
Victor Santos and Beatriz Santos are proud Americans who immigrated to the United States from Portugal in 1966; together they have two sons, Carlos and Richard. Upon their arrival to the United States, Victor and Beatriz moved to the Town of Kearny, established roots and raised their family. Victor opened a local eatery located on Kearny Avenue serving hundreds of Kearny children and families in the community. Beatriz started her own business and operated it for many years. Victor operated the family business for 25 years and later went on to work as a Town crossing guard for ten years in Kearny.
Since 1979, Victor and Beatriz have been active members of the Portuguese Cultural Association and have served as volunteers in various activities and community events. Victor served as the President of the Portuguese Cultural Association and Beatriz collaborated with community members to organize events to engage the community. Victor currently serves as enrollment liaison for the Portuguese Language School which allows for children to learn about Portuguese culture, language and history. Now retired, they spend their time together enjoying leisure moments while continuing to contribute their time and talents in benefit of our community.
Photo: Kearny Mayor Alberto G. Santos, right, is pictured with Kearny senior residents Beatriz and Victor Santos.