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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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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 LAWRENCE

FERGUSON

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Donovan, Chippendale,
Speakman, Kennedy, Ackerman, Fellela, Ajello, and Diaz

     Date Introduced: January 08, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

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

Honorable Lawrence Ferguson, a devoted family man and distinguished public servant who

served with distinction for sixteen years as a member of the Rhode Island House of

Representatives from 1985 to 2000; and

     WHEREAS, Lawrence Ferguson was born in 1946 in Bangor, Maine, the son of the late

Donald and Barbara Ferguson. He was the devoted husband of Francine Ferguson for 37 years

and was predeceased by his first wife, Kathleen Ferguson; and

     WHEREAS, Larry Ferguson was raised in Portland, Maine, and was a graduate of the

University of Southern Maine, as well as Rhode Island College, where he attained a Master’s

degree in secondary education. Mr. Ferguson was passionate about education and was a beloved

eighth-grade science teacher for 27 years at Barrington Middle School. Larry always went the

extra mile for his students through his participation in numerous student enrichment programs.

Larry trained with the G.L.O.B.E. program-an international network connecting schools and

scientists. In addition, Larry advanced his studies at Brown University, the Massachusetts

Institute of Technology, the University of Rhode Island, Roger Williams University, and the

Roger Williams Park Zoo, all in the pursuit of knowledge to bring back to his students in the

classroom; and

     WHEREAS, Lawrence Ferguson was a devoted public servant who served the citizens of

Rhode Island with energy and abiding integrity for more than twenty years. He served as the

Executive Director of the Rhode Island Democratic Party, District Director for Congressman

Patrick J. Kennedy, and was a member of Rhode Island House of Representatives (District 91) for

16 years from 1985 to 2000, where he served with distinction as a Subcommittee Chair of the

House Finance Committee, a member of the Rules Committee, and the House Committee on

Health and Welfare, as well as serving as the Vice Chairman of the Joint Committee on Veterans'

Affairs; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Ferguson also served with distinction as member of the Bristol Town

Council, and as the Chairman of the Bristol Democratic Town Committee. Larry was a member

of N.E.S.T. (Network of Educators in Science and Technology) at MIT, the National Education

Association, the American Legion, AMVETS, the Italian American War Veterans, and the Rhode

Island Democratic Party. Mr. Ferguson also served his nation with honor as a member of the

United States Army Reserve, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant; and

     WHEREAS, Larry Ferguson was a man of great generosity and kindness who improved

the lives of countless people. He was a loving husband, father and devoted family man. In his free

time, he loved spending time with his family at the beach and travelling around Maine; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to his wife, Francine, Larry Ferguson leaves behind his children

Alyssa Ferguson, Colin Ferguson, and Jonathan Ferguson; now, therefore be it

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

sends its deepest condolences to the Ferguson Family; 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. Francine Ferguson, Alyssa Ferguson,

Colin Ferguson, and Jonathan Ferguson.

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