2025 -- H 6169

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LC002668

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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 RONALD D.

NEWMAN

     Introduced By: Representatives Cotter, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Kennedy,
Ajello, Tanzi, Boylan, McNamara, and Shallcross Smith

     Date Introduced: April 03, 2025

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with deepest condolences that this House has learned of the passing of

Ronald D. Newman, a resident of Richmond, Rhode Island, for 64 years. Mr. Newman was the

beloved husband of Cathleen Newman for nine years; and

     WHEREAS, Ronald Newman, known to his friends as "Ronnie", was born in Providence,

a son of the late Senek and Judith Newman. Mr. Newman graduated from Chariho High School

and the University of Rhode Island, where he attained a Bachelor of Arts degree in

Communications; and

     WHEREAS, Ronald Newman had a long and distinguished career as a Marketing

Specialist and Inspector for the Rhode Island Department of Agriculture for 29 years, retiring in

2024. Thanks to his leadership, guidance and tireless work ethic, Mr. Newman played a

significant role in bringing Rhody Fresh products to the markets. He was also a fervent supporter

of Farmers Markets. Mr. Newman was also responsible for assisting Rhode Island taxpayers in

obtaining farmland designations to preserve open space; and

     WHEREAS, Ronald Newman, a Democrat, served with distinction and abiding integrity

as a member of the Richmond Town Council, serving several terms in the 90's, where he served

as the Council President following the 1994 election, and as the Council Vice President following

the 1996 election. He later returned to the Richmond Town Council, winning elections in 2014

and 2016. As a member of the Council, Mr. Newman prided himself for always being fair and

impartial, and was admired for his willingness to reach across the aisle to find common ground in

order to meet the needs of his constituents and to find solutions that served both sides of an issue

and the larger community in a meaningful way. Mr. Newman consistently urged his fellow

council members to put aside their political differences and work together for the betterment of

the Town of Richmond; and

     WHEREAS, Ronald Newman was a wise and compassionate man who was devoted to

public service. He worked tirelessly to make Rhode Island a healthier and more vibrant place in

which to live, work, and raise families. Known for his great sense of humor, he believed laughter

was the best medicine and made it his mission to brighten the lives of those around him, often

through friendly banter and lighthearted conversations; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to his wife, Cathleen he leaves behind his siblings Sharon

Newman-Roberts, and her husband, Bert, Stephen Newman, and Magistrate Edward Newman,

and his wife, Diane. Ronald Newman was also the devoted uncle of Shauna Major, and her

husband Steve, Shana Newman and Rachel Newman, and he was the great-uncle of Olivia, Chase

and Sydney. Mr. Newman was also the devoted "dog father" of Madison; now, therefore be it

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

expresses its deepest condolences to the Newman Family on the passing of the Honorable Ronald

D. Newman; 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 Cathleen Newman and Family.

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