2020 -- H 8189

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LC005628

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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

EXTENDING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF ERNEST J. FINOCCHIO,

D.V.M.

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Serpa, Kennedy, Lima, and O'Brien

     Date Introduced: December 14, 2020

     Referred To: Placed on the House Consent Calendar

     WHEREAS, It is with utmost sadness that this House has learned of the passing of Dr.

Ernest "E.J." Finocchio, an enormously well-respected animal advocate who served as the 10th

President and General Agent of the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to

Animals (RISPCA); and

     WHEREAS, The oft quoted saying that, "We can judge the heart of a man by his

treatment of animals" truly expounds the life of Dr. E.J. Finocchio who generously and

consistently contributed his time and energies to the betterment of the community and animals big

and small; and

     WHEREAS, Dr. Finocchio served as the President and General Agent of the RISPCA for

eighteen years, retiring in 2019. During his tenure, he passionately fought for animals and against

all forms of animal cruelty; and

     WHEREAS, In addition, Dr. Finocchio was the founder of the Marvin Fund, which was

named after the disabled black Labrador retriever he had adopted. The Fund raises monies to help

low-income pet owners pay for their pet's veterinary care; and

     WHEREAS, Previous to his work with the RISPCA, Dr. Finocchio had owned and

operated the New England Horse Care Center for thirty-five years; and

     WHEREAS, Lauded by his peers and all animal lovers, Dr. Finocchio was named

Veterinarian of the Year by the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Society in 2019, and had been

selected as an awardee in the "Pet Partners" rescue category of the Delta Society's 2009 Beyond

Limits Awards; and

     WHEREAS, Sadly, Dr. Finocchio succumbed to the cruel impact of the COVID-19

pandemic, and while there is never a fitting or easy time to lose someone you love, our

unprecedented current world circumstances make these loses even more difficult to bear. Dr.

Finocchio truly respected and loved all life, and was adored by those who had the good fortune to

be part of his time on this earth; now, therefore be it

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

extends deepest condolences on the passing of Ernest J. Finocchio, D.V.M.; and

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

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of

Cruelty to Animals.

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LC005628

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