2000 -- H 8251

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LC03191
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H  O  U  S  E     R  E  S  O  L  U  T  I  O  N

EXTENDING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF FRANK J. IAFRATE

WHEREAS, It is with deep regret and sadness that we have learned of the passing of Frank J. Iafrate. Born in Smithfield, a son of the late Marco J. and Laura (Marotto) Iafrate, he lived in North Providence most of his life; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Iafrate coined the name and designed the "Seabees" insignia for a corps of navy engineers and laborers who built bunkers, docks and airports crucial to the defeat of Japan in World War II; and

WHEREAS, At the age of 22, while working as an engineering clerk at Camp Endicott, in Davisville, Mr. Iafrate's drawing skills caught the attention of an officer who was in charge of the Construction Battalion of the Navy. The officer asked Iafrate to rename the group and create a logo; and

WHEREAS, In just a few hours in 1942, Mr. Iafrate designed a logo that would outlast him. In Mr. Iafrate's own words, "I thought of a bee: it works all day; it doesn't bother you, but if you bother it, it has a way of stinging you. I put a Navy hat on him, gave him a submachine gun to show fighting ability, and some tools in his other arms to show construction ability"; and

WHEREAS, This Seabee insignia would travel all the way to the Pacific Ocean, a symbol of pride for the Marine builders. The Seabee would earn a prominent post at the entrance to Davisville, the North Kingstown base where it was born; and

WHEREAS, Although Mr. Iafrate never received any compensation from this design, he, as a civilian received the Navy's Distinguished Service Award. He later enlisted and served in the Seabees; and

WHEREAS, After service to his country, Frank Iafrate spent much of the rest of his life taking a high-profile role in North Providence politics and building up his graphic-design business. He retired in 1988 after 42 successful years as the much respected owner of AdMaker; and

WHEREAS, He served on the North Providence School Committee for 20 years, 6 years as chairman. He actively participated as a member of the North Providence Democratic Town Committee for 31 years and helped the late Mayor Salvatore Mancini win his final election; and

WHEREAS, Just last year, Mr. Iafrate persuaded the Lymansville Veterans of Foreign Wars to erect a plaque at Mineral Spring and Raymond Avenues in honor of his younger brother Raymond, killed in combat in Germany during World War II; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Iafrate was a member of the Living Veterans Organization, Lymansville VFW Post 10011, the Sons of Italy, American World War II Veterans Organization, the American Legion, the Navy Seabee Veterans of America, the Navy Seabee Veterans of America X-1- Davisville, and the Italian American Veterans Association. He was a member of the sons of Italy, Salvatore Mancini Lodge and the Centredale Volunteer Fire Company, serving as its president for 14 years. He was an associate member of the Fraternal Order of Police, 13, and an honorary member of St. Lawrence Council, Knights of Columbus; and

WHEREAS, Frank Iafrate was the loving husband of Edith (Marcello) Iafrate, devoted father to Patricia Iafrate Bellini and the late Raymond J. Iafrate and proud grandfather to five wonderful grandchildren; 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 Iafrate family on the passing of Frank J. Iafrate and that he will forever be remembered by the entire North Providence community and citizens of the State of Rhode Island for his commitment to the United States of America and the legacy of the Seabee; 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. Edith Iafrate.