2026 -- H 7018

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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 DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE 70TH GOVERNOR

OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND, THE HONORABLE EDWARD D. DIPRETE

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Newberry, Chippendale, Place,
Fascia, Santucci, Paplauskas, Hopkins, and Nardone

     Date Introduced: January 08, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Edward Daniel DiPrete was born in the City of Cranston in 1934, the son of

Mary and Frank DiPrete, who had immigrated to America from Italy at the age of 5. He was a

graduate of LaSalle Academy, earned his Bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross,

and proudly served in the United States Navy, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Commander in

the Naval Reserve; and

     WHEREAS, Upon returning from the service, Mr. DiPrete joined his father’s real estate

firm. In 1970, he began his political career when he was elected to the Cranston School

Committee for two terms, serving as Chairman until 1974. He went on to win a seat on the

Cranston City Council, followed by a successful election to become Mayor of Cranston; and

     WHEREAS, From 1985 to 1991, the Honorable Ed DiPrete served the people of Rhode

Island as Governor, and his tenure is credited with many successes, including advancements in

education and infrastructure, the protection and creation of vast open spaces, the renovation of

Scarborough Beach, and four personal tax reductions during his term as Governor; and

     WHEREAS, Governor DiPrete was “down-to-earth”, popular with voters, and although a

Republican Governor, he maintained good relations with the overwhelming Democratic

legislature. He has been commended as “very astute, up to date on everything," and as a Governor

who surrounded himself “with really talented people”; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to his responsibilities as Governor, Mr. DiPrete chaired the

Coalition of Northeastern Governors and the New England Governors’ Conference as well as the

New England Partnership for Science and Technology; and

     WHEREAS, Ed DiPrete was devoted to his family and adored traveling with them across

the United States in his infamous Winnebago. After his years of public service, he spent much of

his life out of the public eye as the beloved husband of the late Patricia DiPrete, the proud father

of seven, Edward Jr., Dennis, Nancy, Patricia, Mary Ellen, Kathleen and Thomas, and the

cherished grandfather and great-grandfather to many; and

     WHEREAS, The Honorable Edward DiPrete had turned 91 on the day of his passing and

will always be remembered with love as a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, and for his

service to our Country and this State; now, therefore be it

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

extends deepest condolences on the passing of the Honorable Edward D. DiPrete; 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 the Family of Edward D. DiPrete.

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