2000 -- S 2183

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LC01430
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S  E  N  A  T  E     R  E  S  O  L  U  T  I  O  N

EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF CLEON E. HARVEY

WHEREAS, It is with deep regret and sadness that we have learned of the passing of Cleon E. Harvey, son of the late Clinton and Sadie (Harris) Harvey. An Army veteran, Mr. Harvey served his country as a staff sergeant during World War II. He was a Providence resident most of his life, attending Providence College where he earned a bachelor of arts degree, cum laude, in 1951, and continued there, receiving a master's degree in education. He was a former member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity; and

WHEREAS, A greatly respected leader, Mr. Harvey served as commissioner for the Rhode Island Human Rights Commission since 1969. As chairman of the commission from 1971 until 1984, and hearing officer, Mr. Harvey presided over more hearing days than any other commissioner in the history of the agency. His unmatched concern for others ensured that every witness, as well as every staff member was treated fairly; and

WHEREAS, An outstanding teacher for the Providence School Department for more than 30 years before his retirement Cleon Harvey dedicated his career to special education students at Central High School, Oliver Hazard Perry School, Esek Hopkins Middle School and the Rhode Island Training School; and

WHEREAS, Cleon E. Harvey always found time for others as evidenced by his involvement in many organizations; as president of the Rhode Island Association for Children, president of the board of directors for Family Services, president of the Bannister House board of directors, service on the board of governors of Benificent House, service on the board of directors for the NAACP, Providence College Mal Brown Alumni Chapter, Family Service Inc., and Interfaith Counseling Service, and membership in the Mount Hope Association and the Providence College Alumni Association; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Harvey was a member of the Cathedral of St. John and served as assistant superintendent of its Sunday School. He was a member of the vestry, the Men's Club, the Episcopal Society for Cultural and Racial Unity, and a lay reader; and

WHEREAS, Cleon Harvey received numerous civil-service and humanitarian awards, including the Exemplary Citizen Award from the Providence College Alumni in 1984 and for his leadership as director of playgrounds in 1960 from the Providence Recreation Department. He was a member and past president of the Urban League where a college scholarship offered by the league is named after him; and

WHEREAS, Cleon Harvey remained involved in activities at Providence College as a member of the Providence College Alumni Association, a member of the board of directors of the Providence College Mal Brown Alumni Chapter; now therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby expresses our deepest sympathies to the Harvey family on the passing of Cleon E. Harvey. A caring man with a strong sense of responsibility to his community, Cleon E. Harvey will forever be remembered by those whose lives he touched; 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 the Harvey family.