2024 -- H 8356

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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

EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE WILLIAM L.

DRAPEAU

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Kazarian, Chippendale,
Kennedy, Shallcross Smith, Tanzi, Cortvriend, Solomon, and Ajello

     Date Introduced: June 11, 2024

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this House has learned of the passing of the

Honorable William L. Drapeau of East Providence. He was the beloved husband of Elaine

Drapeau for 64 years, and a distinguished member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives

for ten years; and

     WHEREAS, William Drapeau was born in Seekonk, the son of the late Albert and Grace

Drapeau. He was one of the original members of the pre-World War II Seekonk Boys Club. He

played football for Seekonk Jr. High School's first tackle football team, and later graduated from

East Providence High School, where he played on the football and wrestling teams, and was a

member of the 1947 Rhode Island High School Championship Wrestling Team; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Drapeau proceeded to serve our nation with honor in the United States

Army from 1951 to 1953. He attended Basic Training at Fort Hood in Texas, and graduated from

the Military Police Academy at Camp Gordon in Georgia. He then served in Germany during the

"Cold War" between the Russian-led Communist Bloc and the United States led European NATO

democracies; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Drapeau graduated from Johnson & Wales and also took classes at

Providence College. He had a long and distinguished professional career first as a mechanical

engineer for Federal Products in Providence and later for the State of Rhode Island Treasury

Department; and

     WHEREAS, In 1974, Mr. Drapeau was elected to the Rhode Island House of

Representatives and served the Rumford area in the House with distinction, integrity and passion

for ten years. He also served on the Rhode Island Democratic State Committee for twelve years

and its Board of Directors for seven years. Additionally, he was a lifetime member of the Irish

Hibernian Club in Newport; and

     WHEREAS, In his free time, Mr. Drapeau enjoyed travelling with his wife, visiting most

of the countries in Europe. They especially enjoyed their trips to Sicily and a special eighteen day

trip they took to Egypt to see the pyramids, which included a ten-day Nile River Cruise; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to his wife, Elaine, he leaves behind his daughter, Deborah

Anania and her husband, David, and his daughter Donna Drapeau, who had a long and

distinguished career as an employee of the Rhode Island General Assembly. Mr. Drapeau was the

father of the late Diane Drapeau and the late Edward Drapeau, who was the husband of Kathleen

Drapeau. He is also survived by his grandchildren, David Anania and his wife, Lindsey, Andrew

Anania, Zackary, Danielle, Ethan, Eric, and Hailey Drapeau, and a great-granddaughter, Audrey

Anania and also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Norman,

Daniel, Albert, and James Drapeau; now, therefore be it

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

expresses its condolences on the passing of the Honorable William L. Drapeau; 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. Elaine Drapeau and Family.

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