2026 -- H 7060

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LC003115

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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 CONSTANCE PETRARCA

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Serpa, Fellela, Chippendale,
Kennedy, Ajello, Ackerman, Solomon, and Boylan

     Date Introduced: January 13, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

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

passing of Constance Petrarca at the age of 100. She was the beloved wife of the late Adolph J.

Petrarca, and was the devoted mother of the Honorable Rhode Island State Representative

Patricia Serpa (and the late Joseph Serpa), Lester and Linda Petrarca, and Joanne and Robert

Diggins; and

     WHEREAS, Constance Petrarca was born in Woonsocket on June 28, 1925, daughter of

the late Floriane and Aime Groslouis. Constance graduated from West Warwick High School in

1943, finishing at the top of her class, and was a member of the Rhode Island Honor Society.

Constance was a member of the historic "Greatest Generation" that survived the deprivations of

the Great Depression, the winning of World War II and the preservation of democracy in the

United States, Western Europe and elsewhere across the globe; and

     WHEREAS, Constance Petrarca worked as a secretary for many years before becoming a

stay-at-home mom. Typical of those who lived through the Great Depression, Constance was a

frugal mom and a consummate and tireless bargain hunter. She loved shopping for her family and

loved ones and finding good deals at various department stores and thrift shops. Whatever was

not used right away became part of her "warehouse," to be used when inevitably someone in her

family needed something; and

     WHEREAS, Constance Petrarca was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-

grandmother who always put her loved ones first in her life. Her home was one of love, safety

and physical and intellectual nourishment that gave her children a template for success out in the

world and in life. Constance was also a devout Catholic and woman of deep faith who prayed the

Rosary regularly. In her free time, she enjoyed doing word search puzzles and staying abreast of

the local and national news; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to her children, Constance Petrarca leaves behind her

grandchildren, Domenic DiMassi, Lynne and Henry Ruelle, Salvatore and Tonia Petrarca,

Madelyn and Philip Swanson, Regina Petrarca, and Jennifer and Matthew Sousa, and her great-

grandchildren, Gabriele DiMasi, Torin Ruelle, and Hunter Swanson; now, therefore be it

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

expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Constance Petrarca; 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 Honorable Patricia Serpa and Family.

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