2000 -- S 2913

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LC03082
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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 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 Claire Tuohy, Jane Myers, Mark J. Needham, and the late Thomas Needham. He was a devoted grandfather of seven; and

WHEREAS, Judge Needham grew up with a hard working mentality. He believed in a good education and strived diligently to put himself through LaSalle Academy, Providence College, and 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, Judge Needham was appointed Associate Justice by former Governor Philip W. Noel on May 7, 1974. Throughout his time served on the bench, Judge Needham presided over virtually every type of case. 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 an exceptionally hard working, analytical and fair man. His style was direct and concise. His love for the bench kept him working well after the point of his eligible retirement. This example of his disciplined work ethic, paralleled with his true passion for justice ultimately saved 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 loved walking his dog, Bailey, and reading; now therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate 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. It is with an indeed special honor and condolence that we recognize the serving of four terms and fine contribution to this very Senate Chamber. Judge Needham served as a Republican Senator and represented a Cranston constituency. Throughout his time in the Rhode Island Senate Chamber Judge Needham rose to the position of Senate Deputy Minority Leader. 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.