2010 -- S 3002

=======

LC02927

=======

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2010

____________

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

HONORING THE LIFE AND EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES

ON THE PASSING OF ABRAHAM NATHANSON

     Introduced By: Senators Miller, Perry, Sheehan, McBurney, and Walaska

     Date Introduced: June 09, 2010

     Referred To: Senate read and passed

1-1

     WHEREAS, It is with great sadness that this Senate has learned of the passing of

1-2

Abraham Nathanson, a jewelry designer, a renowned photographer, an entrepreneur, and a

1-3

beloved father; and

1-4

      WHEREAS, Born in Pawtucket to the late Joseph and Anna Nathanson, Abraham

1-5

Nathanson was the devoted father of Rena Nathanson, Brenda Moore, and Dana Nathanson, and

1-6

the proud grandfather of four grandchildren. He is also survived by his two brothers, Morris and

1-7

Nathan Nathanson, and his former wife, Sandra Nathanson; and

1-8

     WHEREAS, After graduation from Pawtucket East Senior High School, Mr. Nathanson

1-9

served our country in the United States Army. He returned from the service and continued his

1-10

education, attending the Pratt Institute, where he studied graphic and industrial design; and

1-11

     WHEREAS, Always industrious, Mr. Nathanson and his brother, Morris, founded a

1-12

commercial design studio. He later purchased an historic mill complex and founded George

1-13

Nathan Design; and

1-14

     WHEREAS, The Nathansons were also founding members of the Trinity Repertory

1-15

Theatre, one of the most important cultural institutions in Rhode Island. The loss of Abraham

1-16

Nathanson is particularly poignant to members of the Theatre’s “family,” as they have recently

1-17

suffered the loss of three others, actor George Martin, board member and benefactor Charles

1-18

Sullivan, and Musical Director Richard "DeeDee" Cumming; and

1-19

     WHEREAS, Mr. Nathanson’s passion and talent for artistic endeavors resulted in

2-1

successful showings of his beautiful photographs in numerous art galleries. He also wrote and

2-2

illustrated a number of children’s books; and

2-3

     WHEREAS, In addition, Mr. Nathanson made time in his life to be a family man and

2-4

great dad. His invention of the ever-popular game “Bananagrams” stemmed from his family’s

2-5

love of spending time together and game-playing. When Scrabble, Boggle, and other

2-6

commercially-available board games failed to meet the family’s traveling and speed

2-7

requirements, Mr. Nathanson simply invented a new game. Bananagrams was an instant hit; and

2-8

     WHEREAS, Abraham Nathanson’s life and achievements will live on for many years to

2-9

come in the memories of everyone fortunate enough to have been touched by the quality of this

2-10

remarkable gentleman, and even though we are diminished by this loss and mourn his passing, so

2-11

must we celebrate the spirit, creativity, and passion with which he lived every day of his life;

2-12

now, therefore be it

2-13

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

2-14

hereby expresses our deepest sympathies to the entire Nathanson family on the passing of

2-15

Abraham Nathanson; and be it further

2-16

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

2-17

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Rena Nathanson, Brenda Moore, Dana

2-18

Nathanson, Morris Nathanson, and Nathan Nathanson.

=======

LC02927

=======