2024 -- H 8150

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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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 RICHARD P. BACCARI

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Tanzi, Chippendale, J.
Lombardi, McEntee, Diaz, Kennedy, Fellela, and Shallcross Smith

     Date Introduced: April 09, 2024

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with sadness that this House has learned of the passing of Richard P.

Baccari, the devoted husband to the love of his life, Susanne Baccari for sixty-one years, and the

loving father of Sherri Baccari, Kim Baccari, Susan Baccari and her husband, Chris

Varrecchione, Daria Baccari, Richard Baccari II and his wife, Ashley Baccari; and

     WHEREAS, Born and raised in the Eagle Park neighborhood of Providence, Mr. Baccari

was a son of the late Philip and Emma Baccari, and the brother of Barbara Pieper and her

husband, Robert, and Philip Baccari and his wife, Christine; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Baccari, affectionately known as “Big Papa”, was the very proud

grandfather of Alessandro, Dimitri, Antonio, Giancarlo, Isabella, Tiara, Richard III, Joseph,

Corey, and the late Nicholas. Blessed with a large extended family, he was also the uncle of

many nieces and nephews, and the proud Master of Winston, his English Retriever; and

     WHEREAS, While attending Mount Pleasant High School, he met his wife, Susanne,

who became his top priority and the star of the show throughout his lifetime, and together they

raised their children. As a dad, he ran a very tight ship, where missing a Sunday dinner was not

an option, but where kindness, laughter and love were always in abundance; and

     WHEREAS, In 1977, the Baccari family moved to a newly built home in Narragansett,

and Sundays continued to be his favorite day of the week because it was a time to gather his

children and grandchildren around the dining table, after spending the day at the nearby rocks

catching crabs, building campfires, telling stories, or searching for elusive bobcats; and

     WHEREAS, From a young age, Mr. Baccari’s industrious nature shone through. A born

entrepreneur and astute businessman, he began with a double paper route at the age of 10, and

starting at “Double Zero”, developed myriad endeavors into successful enterprises throughout his

lifetime. He initially purchased Desmond Auto Body in 1960, which he grew into arguably the

best auto repair shop in the State, and subsequently founded the Rhode Island Auto Body

Association, where he served as President for many years; and

     WHEREAS, Never one to rest on his laurels, Mr. Baccari soon turned his attention to real

estate development, and founded Downing Corporation in 1969. The company soon became one

of the most successful real estate operations in Rhode Island, building nearly 3000 homes,

including the Louisquisset condominiums, over 20 shopping centers, the first parking garage at

TF Green Airport, and renovations to numerous historic buildings in Providence. His renowned

redevelopment style soon became the model for outdoor shopping center development throughout

New England; and

     WHEREAS, In 1977, Mr. Baccari, together with his friend and partner Vincenzo Iema,

opened the always wait-listed Capriccio Restaurant. Immensely proud of his Italian American

heritage, he was the owner and editor of the Italian Echo newspaper for many years, was a

devoted member of the Aurora Civic Association, and was awarded the Italian-American man of

the year in 1989 by UNITAM; and

     WHEREAS, In 1993, Mr. Baccari founded Churchill & Banks, where he worked side-by-

side with his son on development projects in Florida, North Carolina and New England. His work

ethic and drive were second to none, and his honor and integrity were the foundation of his

business principles; and

     WHEREAS, Richard Baccari had a generous, kind and gentle heart, was always a man of

his word, was a loyal friend and trusted advisor to many, and was the loving Patriarch of his

devoted family, and he is dearly missed; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

extends deepest condolences on the passing of Richard P. Baccari; and be it further

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

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mrs. Susanne Baccari and Family.

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