Alberto Romão Madruga da Costa

Alberto Romão Madruga da Costa, former President of the Regional Government and the Legislative Assembly of the Azores, passed away at the age of 74 on 14 November 2014, at the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital in Ponta Delgada.

Born on 15 April 1940 in the city of Horta, Faial Island, he attended the National High Schools of both Horta and Ponta Delgada. He pursued higher education at the Faculty of Letters of the University of Lisbon and subsequently the University of Coimbra, where he completed his fourth year in Germanic Philology before his studies were interrupted by military service in Angola.

Upon returning to the Azores, he joined Banco Português do Atlântico (later BCP), where he established a distinguished career as manager of the Horta branch. Following the Revolution of 25 April 1974, he became a pivotal figure in the democratic transition in Faial. A founding member of the PPD (now PSD) that same year, he held numerous public offices, including President of the Administrative Commission of the General Board of the Autonomous District of Horta (1975–1976).

His legislative career was extraordinary, serving as a Member of the Regional Legislative Assembly for the Faial constituency for six consecutive terms (24 years). He presided over the Assembly from 1978 to 1995. Following the resignation of Mota Amaral, he served as President of the 6th Regional Government of the Azores (1995–1996). His extensive portfolio as a statesman included roles as a Member of the EU Committee of the Regions and State Councillor.

His lifetime of exceptional public service was formally recognised by the Portuguese State on multiple occasions. He was bestowed with the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit on 9 May 1995 by President Mário Soares. This was followed by the Autonomic Insignia of Value, awarded in May 2006 by the Regional Legislative Assembly. On 19 January 2010, he received further national distinction when President Aníbal Cavaco Silva conferred upon him the Grand Cross of the Order of Prince Henry.

Funeral Arrangements: The funeral was held on 15 November 2014 in his home city of Horta. Following a solemn Requiem Mass at the Matriz Church (Parish Church of Horta), the cortege proceeded to the Carmo Cemetery, where he was laid to rest with the highest honours.