2021 -- H 5219

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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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 WILLARD "BILL"

RAPPLEYE

     Introduced By: Representatives C Lima, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Filippi, Tanzi,
Kazarian, Amore, Knight, Edwards, and Slater

     Date Introduced: January 28, 2021

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with sincere sadness that this House has learned of the passing of Bill

Rappleye, a renowned veteran political reporter, and the beloved father of five daughters,

Georgia, Anika, Chesley, Karma, and Layla Rappleye; and

     WHEREAS, “Rapp,” as he was commonly known in journalistic and political circles,

was a brilliant journalist and person of acute perspicacity, who thoughtfully and relentlessly

pursued the news in an inspiring career that spanned almost 40 years; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Rappleye was born in Houston and raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts,

but the Ocean State was always his true home. He was the son of Ann and Fuzz Crompton and

the brother of Tim Rappleye and the late Charles Rappleye. His nascent career began in the early

1980s working as a photographer/reporter for cable television in New Bedford. He subsequently

spent seven years at WLNE, where he reported on numerous events and established himself as the

station's environmental reporter. He also held reporting positions in Boston and New York; and

     WHEREAS, For almost eighteen years, Mr. Rappleye was a political reporter with

WJAR Channel 10. During his tenure at the station, he hosted the public affairs program "10

News Conference," moderated debates, reported from the New Hampshire primary and national

conventions, and interviewed countless local, state and federal politicians. Most recently, he

worked with Rhode Island’s public television station, WSBE, where he worked on longer-form

investigative projects, and was the co-host of Rhode Island PBS Weekly; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Rappleye's comprehensive reporting of Rhode Island’s political issues

and events has been well-reasoned and thoughtful and his reputation for fully appreciating the

power and intensity of ethically reporting the news earned him the admiration of both his peers

and those he sought to interview; and

     WHEREAS, In addition, Mr. Rappleye earned a plethora of awards and nominations for

his coverage within the Rhode Island State House and Washington, D.C., including Associated

Press awards, a regional Emmy award, a national award from the Association of Capitol

Reporters and Editors and numerous additional accolades; and

     WHEREAS, Bill Rappleye was a brilliant journalist, a good friend, an amazing father,

and a true gentleman who has left the people of Rhode Island more informed and enlightened by

his life’s endeavors. His integrity and common sense enriched the lives of all who knew him and

set a standard for journalistic excellence that is an inspiration to us all; now, therefore be it

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

expresses our deepest sympathies on the passing of Willard "Bill" Rappleye; and be it further

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

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Ann and Fuzz Crompton and Family.

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