2025 -- H 5006

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

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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 THE HONORABLE JOSEPH M.

LIMA

     Introduced By: Representatives Noret, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Solomon,
Hull, Donovan, Craven, Fellela, and Cruz

     Date Introduced: January 09, 2025

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, This House was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the Honorable

Joseph Lima, the beloved husband of Teresa Lima for thirty-nine years, the devoted father of Lori

Medeiros and her husband, Fred, Wayne Lima, Lisa Speel and her husband, John, Soraya

Rodrigues and her fiancé, Shikenya, and Bruno Rodrigues, and the very proud grandfather of

eight grandchildren; and

     WHEREAS, Born in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Azores, Mr. Lima was the son of the

late John and Armanda Silveira and the late Manuel Lima. At the age of thirteen, he immigrated

to the United States; and

     WHEREAS, Hard-working and dedicated, Mr. Lima held many notable positions over

the course of his lifetime. He was employed in management at Davol Rubber Company, and later

worked at for-profit schools in sales positions, including serving as the Northeast Regional Sales

Director at an airline training school. Until his retirement, he had been employed as the Director

of Admissions and Corporate Training Coordinator at New England Tractor Trailer Training

School; and

     WHEREAS, In November of 1976, the Honorable Joseph Lima was elected to the Rhode

Island House of Representatives, where he served from 1977 to 1984, representing neighborhoods

in the City of Providence. Earning the respect of his colleagues, he was named Deputy Majority

Leader, and was a member of the House Finance Committee, the House Education Committee,

and Corrections Sub-Committees; and

     WHEREAS, During his tenure in the House, Mr. Lima successfully championed

legislation to eliminate the State’s tax on clothing and initiated the general public’s access to

House Committee meetings. In addition, he served as Chairman of the Legislative Commission

on English as a Second Language and introduced legislation creating the Portuguese Cultural

Foundation in Rhode Island. He was also the author of Peter Francisco Day in the State of Rhode

Island and served as the first President of the Dia de Portugal celebrations at the Rhode Island

State House in 1978; and

     WHEREAS, Embracing the responsibility to give back to his heritage, Mr. Lima became

a prominent figure in the Portuguese-American community of Rhode Island, which ultimately

enriched the broader community. With vision and leadership, he established the Rhode Island

Day of Portugal and was the first President of the Rhode Island Day of Portugal celebrations at

the State House, where he remained an active board member and was honored as Grand Marshal

of the 40th celebration in 2017; and

     WHEREAS, The Honorable Joe Lima is remembered as “a true statesman, gentleman,

and family man who was a community builder” and a remarkable man who helped to transform

our State through his distinguished public service. He leaves a legacy “of fostering unity, pride,

and cultural appreciation that will continue to inspire us all” and he is dearly missed; now,

therefore be it

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

extends heartfelt condolences on the passing of the Honorable Joseph M. Lima; 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 Teresa Lima and Family.

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