2024 -- H 8334

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LC006233

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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 DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF PAUL T. DEROCHE

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Corvese, Chippendale, Casey,
Fogarty, Ackerman, Kennedy, Lima, and Phillips

     Date Introduced: June 05, 2024

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with sincere sorrow that this House has learned of the passing of Paul

T. DeRoche, the devoted husband of Dr. Helen Caldwell for thirty years, and the beloved father

of Mary Sette and her husband, Steve, Nancy Purdue and her husband, William, Jane Norris and

her husband, Michael, Thomas DeRoche and his wife, Jennifer, and Michelle DeRoche Robertson

and her late husband, Alexander Robertson. He was also the very proud grandfather of eleven

grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and

     WHEREAS, Born in the City of Woonsocket, Paul DeRoche was a son of the late

Edward and Catherine DeRoche, and the brother of Dr. Edward DeRoche, Dr. Robert DeRoche,

and the late Rosamond Nalewski. He was a graduate of Mount St. Charles Academy and

Providence College; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. DeRoche was employed with The Greater Providence Chamber of

Commerce for thirty-seven years, retiring as a Senior Vice President for Government Affairs. In

addition, he had been instrumental in planning the annual Greater Providence Chamber of

Commerce Legislative Luncheon for decades; and

     WHEREAS, A consistent fixture at the State House, Mr. DeRoche was a well-respected

lobbyist for the business community. His affable, reasonable, and personable demeanor made him

an incredible asset to not only the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce, but also to those

he worked with on various legislative issues. He was consistently well-prepared, knowledgeable

and helpful, earning him a reputation as one of the most valued lobbyists at the State House over

the course of many decades; and

     WHEREAS, In his leisure time, Mr. DeRoche loved to golf and watch horse racing, and

enjoyed spending time in Florida, Washington D.C., and Newport with his wife. He was also the

devoted companion to Eliza, his Maltese pup who brought him great comfort during his last

months; and

     WHEREAS, Paul DeRoche gave the precious gift of his time and energy to the

betterment of Rhode Island and memories of this remarkable man will always be in the hearts of

those who had the good fortune to be a part of his life; now, therefore be it

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

offers heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and friends of Paul T. DeRoche; 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 Dr. Helen M. Caldwell and Family.

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LC006233

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