2026 -- H 8260

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LC006068

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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 CATHERINE “KITTY”

PETRARCA

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Bennett, Place, McNamara,
Shanley, Solomon, Edwards, Hopkins, and Casimiro

     Date Introduced: March 10, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

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

Catherine "Kitty" Petrarca. She was the beloved wife of the late Ralph A. "Happy" Petrarca, with

whom she shared thirty-nine years of marriage until his passing in 1996. Kitty was also the loving

mother of Natalie Kiernan and her husband Kevin, Vincent Petrarca and his husband John

Krawchuk, and Anthony "Tony" Petrarca, Chief Meteorologist at WPRI-TV; and

     WHEREAS, Raised with strong family values, Kitty was the cherished daughter of the

late Louis and Natalie Santo and resided with her family in the East Natick section of Warwick

before later making her home in Cranston, where she became known for her warmth, kindness,

and devotion to family and community; and

     WHEREAS, A woman of deep faith, Kitty was a longtime communicant of Sacred Heart

Church. Together with her late husband, she served as co-chairperson of the Diocese of

Providence’s Vision of Hope Campaign during the 1990s, helping to strengthen the mission and

ministries of the Diocese; and

     WHEREAS, In addition, Kitty was an active and dedicated member of the East Natick

Vets Ladies Auxiliary for many years, contributing her time and energy in support of veterans

and their families; and

     WHEREAS, Above all else, Kitty treasured her family. Besides her children she also

leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Cailey Kiernan, Connor Kiernan, Olivia Venticinque

and her husband Vincent, and Antonio Petrarca, each of whom brought immense joy to her life.

She is also survived by her brother, Frank Santo, and was the sister of the late Josephine Silvia;

and

     WHEREAS, Kitty’s life was defined by faith, friendship, and an unwavering devotion to

her loved ones. She found great joy in traveling through Europe and the Caribbean, and especially

cherished the tradition of spending the Fourth of July week each year with family and friends at

Lake Winnipesaukee; and

     WHEREAS, The memory of Catherine "Kitty" Petrarca will live on through the many

lives she touched with her generosity, grace, and love, and she will be deeply missed by all who

had the privilege of knowing her; now, therefore be it

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

expresses its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Catherine "Kitty" Petrarca; 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 the Family of Catherine "Kitty" Petrarca.

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LC006068

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