 It has enabled him and his family to see places and people that they otherwise, may never have experienced. From meeting with Fidel Castro in Havana in 1974, to coaching boxing in such diverse places as Nova Scotia, Trinidad, Peru, Cairo and West Africa, Chico has made lifelong friends along the way.
Perfecto "Chico" Segura was raised in Los Alamos, New Mexico. In high school he traveled 28 miles from Los Alamos to Espanola five days a week, to train for the varsity boxing team. Following school, he served in the navy where he was a member of the boxing team and won several All Navy tournaments. In 1956 Chico competed in the Olympic Boxing finals. In 1962 he became the team's coach, and brought them to victory in the World All-Navy Championship. He coached the US team in the 1970s, in the first North American games in Vancouver, Canada, to a gold medal victory. In 1974, Chico coached the US team at the first world games in Havana, Cuba.
While living in Las Cruces, he worked in the juvenile division of the Police Dept. Recognizing that boxing could be a positive alternative for at-risk kids, Chico established a Police Athletic League in 1971 and put his coaching skills to work. The boys learned respect, honesty and hard work as well as strict discipline, a must for any sport. In 1990 he retired as Sports Director for White Sands Missile Range.
Chico credits his wife Phyllis, for enabling him to live out his dream. They met in 1960 while he was boxing in a match in Canada. Her industrious family had moved from the Caribbean to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Chico was attracted to her brown skin and warm smile. She noticed his quiet confidence and respectfulness. They were married in a small ceremony in Boston.
Chico traveled and lived all over the world while coaching boxing. Sometimes he would be gone for four to five months at a time, while Phyllis would maintain the home with their children Ed, Phillip, Greg, and Sandra. With her communication and organizational skills, Phyllis was able to work as a secretary for the Social Security Administration, where she is now retired. She and Chico have complimentary personalities and both of them are practical, assuring a secure retirement. Chico has always been supportive of his wife taking classes and pursuing interests of her own.
Chico Segura is a man grateful for his life in spite of a cancer diagnosis earlier this year. Since being under Hospice care, Chico's life has taken on new purpose. He feels at peace that his life has been worthwhile and his dream of helping kids has been fulfilled. His wife says he is more reflective and takes time to appreciate the richness of his life. He is especially grateful for the Hospice staff and their compassionate and straightforward approach.
He lives each day as it comes and to the fullest. His life is full with visits and outings with family and his many friends. In October a testimonial is planned for him, to remember and honor his many years of service to the community. Chico is optimistic by nature. He is even ready to say he may beat the odds and live longer than doctors predicted but he is also at peace if he goes tomorrow. Chico's life is Olympic Gold.
Pamela Smith 9/04 |
