2021 -- S 0819

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LC002607

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2021

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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 ABELARDO "ABE" HERNANDEZ

     Introduced By: Senators Bell, Quezada, Acosta, Goodwin, and Mack

     Date Introduced: April 13, 2021

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, Abelardo Hernandez, a beloved figure within the Olneyville neighborhood

of Providence, has passed away. Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador in 1956, he immigrated to the

United States in 1972. He married his high school sweetheart, Maria, and they moved to

Providence in 1997. He enriched our state and his local community with his passion for youth

sports and community involvement, and strived every day of his life to make his community an

even better place in which to live, thrive and attain the American dream. He leaves behind his

wife, children, and grandchildren; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Hernandez was a pivotal leader in the Olneyville neighborhood,

working hard to grow the Olneyville Neighborhood Association. He was a tireless advocate for

the needs of Olneyville residents, and worked especially hard to advocate for our undocumented

neighbors; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Hernandez was a Sport Coordinator for Brown University and ran a

summer soccer clinic in Providence. For twenty years, he ran the popular Guatemala Soccer

League, which provided an escape for many people from places like Central America, South

America and Africa, as they navigated through the roadblocks and opportunities of their new

home and country. Mr. Hernandez served as a beloved mentor for countless young people; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Hernandez was taken from us far too soon; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby expresses its deepest

condolences on the passing of Mr. Abelardo Hernandez; and be it further

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

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Marybel Martinez and the Hernandez Family.

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