2020 -- H 8177

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2020

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF ERNEST P. BAPTISTA,

JR.

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Casimiro, Kennedy, and Lima

     Date Introduced: December 14, 2020

     Referred To: Placed on the House Consent Calendar

     WHEREAS, Mr. Ernest P. Baptista, Jr., 70, of Cranston, passed away unexpectedly at

home on Saturday, December 5, 2020. Ernie was the son of the late Ernest & Carmela Baptista,

formerly of North Providence. He is survived by his loving family including his wife, Sharon

Baptista (Williams), his daughter, Jennifer A. Baptista of Warwick, his son, Peter A. Baptista and

his fiancée Carra Beth Constantine of Cranston, his brother, Raymond Baptista and his partner

Danielle Amicarelli of North Providence, and many extended family and close friends; and

     WHEREAS, Ernie was a proud graduate of La Salle Academy’s Class of 1968 and

remained involved with the school for more than 50 years. A member of the La Salle Hall of

Fame and Chair of the Board of Regents, Ernie credited his education there as shaping his entire

life. His passion for La Salle Academy knew no bounds; and

     WHEREAS, After earning a BS degree in Business Administration from Boston

University in 1973, Ernie began his career modestly as a life insurance agent. Soon after, in 1978,

he became a partner with Worrell, Passananti & Radoccia. Ernie was a master at his craft using

life insurance in his client’s financial plan. He provided high level guidance to his clients with

custom designs for their personal and corporate strategies. Ernie co-founded Financial Architects,

Inc., and later formed Gencorp Insurance & Financial Services with his good friend and business

partner Robert G. Padula. He was a proud Member Firm and Principal of M Financial Group for

over 40 years; and

     WHEREAS, Ernie’s effusive spirit, his kindness and his keen intellect were present in

every aspect of his life from home to work to his hobbies, like politics. Ernie was humble and

quiet in the rooms he frequented, yet when he spoke, his incredible wealth of knowledge and

insightful perspectives were soaked up by all who were present; and

     WHEREAS, Ernie was an original thinker, thorough researcher and master strategist in

all he did, but using these skills to craft political theories and strategies was his true passion.

Ernie never ran for office himself as he was most comfortable in the background, but he was

much sought after for his opinions. He was truly “in the know” on all aspects of the political

scene; and

     WHEREAS, A life-long Democrat, Ernie was a supporter of local, state and national

candidates and he most enjoyed serving as an advisor, confidante, and sounding board to

politicians near and far. Closer to home, Ernie was a high school classmate and friend of United

States Senator Jack Reed, and he served as the campaign treasurer for United States Senator

Sheldon Whitehouse. Both men were among Ernie’s closest friends and he treasured their

relationships; and

     WHEREAS, Ernie also created his own so-called political kitchen cabinet through

regular lunches and daily phone calls with his dearest friends: Ed McElroy, Joe Walsh, Don

Sweitzer, Joe Shekarchi, Joe Paolino, and the late Mark Weiner; and

     WHEREAS, Ernie was also committed to his broader community. In addition to serving

La Salle Academy and serving on the Rhode Island Housing Resources Commission, Ernie made

it a priority to help those in need -- often and quietly. He also had time for everyone and saying

“yes” was his favorite answer; and

     WHEREAS, Ernie loved to travel the world and his passport was full of stamps and just

as many stories. He habitually never unpacked his suitcase, just in case the next trip was to pop

up. On this trip to his final destination, his family is thrilled he’ll finally be able to unpack that

suitcase; and

     WHEREAS, Ernie Baptista’s service to our state, his love for his family and community,

and his immense generosity of spirit will be long-remembered by his loving family, countless

friends, and the many people he lent a helping hand in times of need; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

expresses its deepest condolences to the Baptista Family on the passing of Ernest P. Baptista, Jr.;

and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Sharon Baptista and Family.

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