2025 -- H 5058

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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

EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE SENATOR

JAMES S. D'AMBRA

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Craven, Chippendale, O'Brien,
Dawson, J. Lombardi, Batista, Shanley, and McEntee

     Date Introduced: January 15, 2025

     Referred To: House read and passed

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

Honorable James S. D'Ambra, a distinguished educator, public servant, and former member of the

Rhode Island State Senate. He was the beloved husband of the Honorable Laureen D'Ambra for

43 years; and

     WHEREAS, The Honorable James D'Ambra was born in Providence, son of the late

Philip and Mary D'Ambra. He was a 1964 graduate of La Salle Academy, and went on to attain a

Bachelor of Arts degree in 1968 and a Master of Arts degree in Teaching in 1972, from Rhode

Island College; and

     WHEREAS, Senator D'Ambra began his exemplary education career in 1968 when he

accepted a position at Cranston West High School to teach history and government, where he was

widely admired for the passion he brought to the teaching profession in the classroom, his tireless

work ethic, and his deep desire to make a positive difference in the lives of his students; and

     WHEREAS, Senator D'Ambra had a distinguished "second career" in education when he

accepted an administrative position in 1999 with the Providence School Department to serve as

the Assistant Principal of Nathaniel Greene Middle School and eventually retired as the Principal

of the Oliver Hazard Perry Middle School, where he focused on improving attendance, the

classroom experience and increasing parental involvement. Senator D'Ambra also worked at the

Urban League where he advocated strongly on behalf of more diversity and better services for

underrepresented communities; and

     WHEREAS, The Honorable James D'Ambra's distinguished public service record also

included serving in the Rhode Island General Assembly for 16 years. He was elected to the

Rhode Island State Senate in 1977, representing District 5, and was widely respected for his vast

knowledge about issues related to education and the State budget. He was valued by his peers for

his ability to build consensus on difficult issues and for his abiding integrity. In recognition of

these qualities, his colleagues chose him to serve as the Chair of the Finance Committee and later,

the Health, Education and Welfare Committee; and

     WHEREAS, Senator D'Ambra served on the Rhode Island College Alumni Association

Board of Directors and on the Board for the Rhode Island Association of Former Legislators. He

also hosted a public access television show named "Straight Talk". Senator D'Ambra also served

as a Lector for many years at Saint Augustine's Church, and received the prestigious Lumen

Gentium Award for Public Service in honor of his outstanding service to the parish, the Diocese

of Providence, and the local community; and

     WHEREAS, In his free time, Senator D'Ambra enjoyed eating Chinese food, sunbathing

at the beach in Narragansett, and driving his white corvette. Always putting his family first, he

was steadfast in ensuring that his children received the best education possible, and spent as much

time as possible with his grandchildren, attending their sports games, recitals and school events;

and

     WHEREAS, In addition to his wife, the Honorable Laureen D'Ambra, he is survived by

his children, Christine Monahan and James S. D'Ambra, Jr., and his grandchildren, Kameron,

Elle, and Preston. Senator D'Ambra was the brother of the late Philip D'Ambra and son-in-law of

Genevieve LaPolla; now, therefore be it

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

expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of the Honorable James S. D'Ambra; 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 his wife, the Honorable Laureen D'Ambra and

his children, Christine Monahan and James S. D'Ambra, Jr.

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