2022 -- H 7008

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LC003522

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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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 JOSEPH M. SERPA

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Kazarian, Alzate, Kennedy,
Noret, Ackerman, C Lima, McNamara, and Edwards

     Date Introduced: January 06, 2022

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this House of Representatives has learned of the

passing of Mr. Joseph M. Serpa of West Warwick, the devoted husband for 36 years of our friend

and colleague, the Honorable Representative Patricia A. Serpa; and

     WHEREAS, Joseph Serpa was born in Providence, the son of the late Joseph and

Dorothy Serpa. He was the beloved son-in-law of Constance and the late Adolph Petrarca. He

graduated from Hope High School in 1962, and proceeded to serve with distinction and tireless

dedication as a member of the Providence Fire Department for thirty-two years, retiring in 1999

as the Dispatch Lieutenant at the Bureau of Operational Control. Mr. Serpa was awarded the PFD

Badge #1 in 1996 "for his dignified and professional service to the residents of Providence." He

was always proud of his humble Fox Point roots; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Serpa was a devoted husband and family man. In his free time, he

enjoyed playing golf, music and old movies, and for the past twenty years, loved planning and

organizing annual golf vacations for large groups of his fellow firefighters; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to his wife, the Honorable Patricia A. Serpa, Mr. Serpa was the

devoted stepdad of Domenic DiMasi, and was affectionately called "Papa Joe" by his grandson,

Gabriele DiMasi. He also leaves behind his sisters and brothers-in-law Lewis and Linda Petrarca,

and Joanne and Robert Diggins. He is also survived by several nieces and a nephew; and

     WHEREAS, Joseph M. Serpa was a good man who was beloved by all who knew him.

The memory of his love, generosity and compassion will live on forever in the hearts and

memory of his family members and many friends; now, therefore be it

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

expresses deepest condolences on the passing of Mr. Joseph M. Serpa; 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 the Honorable Patricia A. Serpa and Family.

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LC003522

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