2000 -- H 8114

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LC02983
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H  O  U  S  E     R  E  S  O  L  U  T  I  O  N

EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF RHODE ISLAND SUPERIOR COURT JUSTICE THOMAS H. NEEDHAM

WHEREAS, It is with deep regret and sadness that we have learned of the passing of Superior Court Justice Thomas Henry Needham. Judge Needham, 77, was born in Providence on June 30, 1922, the son of the late Marcus J. Needham and the late Margaret A. (Brennan) Needham. He was the beloved husband of Gretchen (Pfeiffer) Needham and the late Ursula F. (McHale) Needham, dedicated father of Clair Tuohy, Jane Myers and Mark J. Needham and the late Thomas Needham. He was a devoted grandfather of seven; and

WHEREAS, From humble beginnings, Judge Needham learned one must work hard to succeed. As a teenager, in order to pay tuition at LaSalle Academy, he borrowed money and worked as a cashier in the Big Bear Market. To pay for his tuition at Providence College he worked at odd jobs and as an usher at the Strand Theater. He cut produce at an A & P market to help put himself through Boston University Law School; and

WHEREAS, Judge Needham enlisted in the Army in World War II, interrupting his education. He served in the European and Pacific Theaters and was a colonel in the Army Reserve; and

WHEREAS, After 25 years in private practice and four-terms as a Republican state senator from Cranston and deputy minority leader, Needham was appointed Associate Justice by former Governor Philip W. Noel on May 7, 1974; and

WHEREAS, During more than two decades on the bench, Judge Needham presided over virtually every type of criminal and civil case. A private man, Judge Needham gained international fame when he presided over the 1982 case; State vs. Von Bulow; and

WHEREAS, Judge Needham was known and praised as exceptionally hard working, analytical and fair. His love for the bench kept him working for almost eight years past eligibility for full retirement, saving Rhode Island taxpayers approximately $800,000; and

WHEREAS, An avid basketball fan, Judge Needham held season tickets to Providence College games since 1949. He enjoyed golf and often played with his wife, Gretchen. He lived in a modest home in the neighborhood where he spent most of his adult life. He loved walking his dog, Bailey, and reading; now therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby expresses our deepest sympathies to the Needham family on the passing of the Honorable Superior Court Justice Thomas H. Needham. He will forever be remembered by the entire membership and the people of Rhode Island for his commitment and extraordinary dedication to the bench; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mrs. Gretchen Needham.