2025 -- H 5805

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LC002166

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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 BRUCE M.

SELYA

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Ajello, Chippendale, Newberry,
Kennedy, Edwards, Bennett, Potter, and Cortvriend

     Date Introduced: February 27, 2025

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness and regret that this House of Representatives has

learned of the passing of the Honorable Bruce Selya, the beloved husband of Cindy Selya, the

devoted father of two daughters, the very proud grandfather of six grandchildren, and a highly

respected member of the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals; and

     WHEREAS, Born in the City of Providence, Judge Selya was the son of Herman and

Betty Selya. He attended Nathan Bishop Middle School and Classical High School, where he

excelled academically, graduating magna cum laude from Harvard University, and earning his

law degree cum laude from Harvard Law School; and

     WHEREAS, After serving as a law clerk to Judge Edward W. Day of the U.S. District

Court for the District of Rhode Island from 1958 to 1960, Judge Selya maintained a flourishing

private practice in Providence for two decades while also serving as a Judge on the Lincoln

Probate Court from 1965 to 1972. In July of 1982, he was nominated by U.S. Senator John

Chafee to a seat on the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, was appointed by

President Ronald Reagan, and confirmed by the Senate on August 18, 1982. He was later elevated

to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, assuming senior status in 2006, and was an

active senior member until his final day; and

     WHEREAS, Earning admiration and recognition from his peers, Judge Selya merited

myriad professional distinctions and privileges over the course of his lifetime. He was the first

person of the Jewish faith to be appointed to the federal bench in Rhode Island, had authored over

1,800 Judicial opinions, and was a dedicated mentor to numerous law clerks; and

     WHEREAS, Judge Selya possessed a brilliant mind and was nationally renowned for his

playful writing style and vast vocabulary of arcane words fondly known as "Selyaisms". He had

also served on the board of a panoply of local institutions including the Jewish Federation of

Rhode Island, Bryant University, Roger Williams University School of Law, the Rhode Island

Historical Society, and was the founding Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Lifespan

health system; and

     WHEREAS, Described as “a man of great wisdom, integrity, modesty, wit, and high

ethical standards”, the Honorable Bruce Selya had the love of his family and friends, the

admiration of his peers, the respect of the legal community, and the gratitude of the citizens of

Rhode Island, and he will be profoundly missed by those who had the good fortune to be a part of

his vital and fulfilling life; now, therefore be it

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

expresses deepest sympathies on the passing of the Honorable Bruce M. Selya. He will forever be

remembered as a highly respected and admired judge who presided with fairness and justice, and

served the people of Rhode Island with integrity and excellence; 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 Mrs. Cynthia Selya and Family.

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