Fall River honors Maria Sardinia and Dave's Fish Market with city award and state citation

Fall River presented Maria Sardinia and the family behind Dave's Fish Market with a Fall River Icon Award and a citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives on a March 2026 occasion recognizing more than 65 years of service to residents.

The recognition highlighted the market's origins and long record of community support. Presenter recounted that Lazaro Sardinia bought a corner laundromat after an on-the-job accident and opened Dave's Fish Market in 1961; the business has operated for 65 years. "No one has ever been turned away at Dave's," the Presenter said, noting examples of the family's generosity, including housing and hiring relatives from their hometown, Aqua Retore, and forgiving customer debts when people could not pay.

The citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives was read by a staff member on behalf of Representative Carol Faiola. The staff member summarized the citation as offering "its sincerest congratulations to Maria Sardinia and the late Lazaro Sardinia in recognition of over 65 years of David's Fish Market" and said the entire state delegation extended its best wishes. The Presenter also announced the city-level Fall River Icon Award and thanked local organizers and contributors, including Louis LeDoux and retired police officer John LaPointe, who were present.

Family members accepted the awards and briefly addressed the gathering. A family representative said, "Thank you very much," and acknowledged family and supporters. The ceremony concluded after brief remarks and the presentation of the awards.

No formal votes or policy decisions were taken at the event; it was a ceremonial recognition and public acknowledgement of the Sardinia family's long-running local business and charitable work.