2025 -- H 6265

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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 DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF DOROTHY JEAN

MCCAFFREY

     Introduced By: Representatives Morales, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Hull, J.
Lombardi, Ajello, Fellela, Shallcross Smith, and Tanzi

     Date Introduced: April 24, 2025

     Referred To: House read and passed

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

McCaffrey. Fondly known by all as “Dottie”, she was an unforgettable woman of great generosity

and devotion to her family and neighborhood; and

     WHEREAS, Dorothy McCaffrey was the beloved daughter of the late Hugh and

Margaret McCaffrey, and the sister of Barbara Marandola Yates and Karin Abbruzzese. Her

extended family included her niece, Leslie Marandola DiNanno and husband, David, her

nephews, Mark Marandola and his wife, Sandra, and John Abbruzzese and his wife, Houda, and

her great-nieces and nephews, Nicholas DiNanno, Anthony DiNanno and his wife, Laura,

Catherine DiNanno, Jenna Marandola, Mark Marandola, Brian Marandola, Marco Abbruzzese,

and Lorenzo Abbruzzese; and

     WHEREAS, Dottie McCaffrey was a protector of the vulnerable and a champion for

those in need. Wearing many hats over the course of her lifetime, she had worked as a meter

maid, a crossing guard, and most notably as the administrative assistant to Fire Chief George

Farrell. In addition, she ran a women’s clothing boutique, a ceramics business, and "McCaffrey

and McKivergan’s" restaurant with her longtime companion, Alys Jaques; and

     WHEREAS, An honest woman who never shied away from offering her opinion, Dottie

McCaffrey was a remarkable entertainer and hostess. The basement in her home became the

celebrated “Backstreet Pub”, which featured a player piano, Broadway posters, and a karaoke

mic, on which Dottie often exuberantly performed her legendary political ballads, homemade

ditties, and country tunes; and

     WHEREAS, Renowned throughout the neighborhood for her fabulous and colorful attire,

and her animal advocacy, particularly her beloved Pretty Kitty, Dottie McCaffrey was equally

devoted to community action. She co-founded the Concerned Citizens of Mount Pleasant, that

assisted in the preservation of the Ryan Post Building, and she helped to establish the Mount

Pleasant Memorial Park; and

     WHEREAS, A dear friend to many in the community as well as her family, Dottie

McCaffrey had been lovingly supported by her tenant and dear friend, Br. Roger Chingas, her

devoted friends at Uncle Tony’s, and her longtime and cherished friend of 45 years, the

Honorable Joanne Giannini; and

     WHEREAS, Dottie McCaffrey was known for her boldness and laughter, her fearless

honesty, generous heart, and deep devotion to her neighborhood. She was a loving sister, aunt,

friend and neighbor who made an unforgettable impact on all who crossed her path and she is

dearly missed; now, therefore be it

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

extends deepest condolences on the passing of Dorothy Jean McCaffrey; 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 Barbara Marandola Yates and Family, and

Karin Abbruzzese and Family.

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