=======
LC00677
=======
Introduced By: Senators Irons, Damiani, Tavares and Bates
Date Introduced: March 25, 1997
Referred To: Senate Read
and Passed
WHEREAS, The dean of Rhode Island school superintendents, and the Superintendent of East Providence School Department for 28 years before retiring in 1979, Edward R. Martin so earned the admiration and respect of the citizens of East Providence that the School Department recognized his accomplishments that year by dedicating the new junior high school building, now known as Edward R. Martin Junior High School, in his honor; and
WHEREAS, Born in Providence some 83 years ago, Edward
R. Martin was a son of the late Patrick R. and Mary E. (McCabe)
Martin. A resident of East Providence for the last 60 years, he
served the youth of that fine city for 40 years as a teacher,
coach, guidance counselor, science department chairman and as
the Superintendent of Schools; and
WHEREAS, A 1931 graduate of East Providence High School, he joined the faculty of East Providence Senior High School after earning his Bachelor's Degree from Providence College in 1935; and
WHEREAS, Many East Providence residents remember Edward R. Martin primarily as an outstanding chemistry teacher; others may recall his achievements as the school's track coach. As a science teacher and the Chairman of the Science Department, Edward R. Martin was a pioneer in the science fair movement, serving as the Chairman for the Rhode Island Science Fair and as the first Chairman of the New England Science Fair; and
WHEREAS, Receiving his Master's Degree from Rhode Island College in 1949, Edward R. Martin was appointed Principal of Riverside Junior High School that same year. Becoming the Superintendent of Schools only three years later. Mr. Martin went on to earn a sixth-year diploma in Education and Administration from the University of Connecticut, received an Honorary Doctorate of Education Citation from Roger Williams College in 1977, and an Honorary Degree of Pedagogy from Rhode Island College in 1980; and
WHEREAS, Encouraging an abiding spirit of cooperation throughout his 28 years tenure as Superintendent of Schools, Edward R. Martin was strongly involved in 22 different construction programs designed to better the school facilities for the children of East Providence; and
WHEREAS, The Executive Secretary of the New England School Superintendents Association from 1979 to 1989, Edward R. Martin also served as the President of the Rhode Island Superintendents Association, was a member of the Executive Committee of the Rhode Island Superintendents Association from 1954 to 1959, and was a member of the Executive Committee of the New England Superintendents Association representing Rhode Island; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Martin was Vice President and President of the New England Association of School Superintendents, was elected to the Executive Board of the New England School Development Council, and also served as the Council's Vice Chairman and Chairman; and
WHEREAS, As devoted to his community as to East Providence's young people and their schools, Edward R. Martin served as the first Executive Secretary of the East Providence Boys and Girls Club and was the Chairman of the Ad Hoc Educational Television Committee named by the State Board of Education. Mr. Martin was also a Grand Knight and Deputy Director of the East Providence Knights of Columbus, a member of the Presidents Club of Rhode Island College, a member of the Bishop Ball Committee of Fatima Hospital, President of the Rhode Island Association of Retired Superintendents, and a member of the American Association of School Administration; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Martin is survived by his wife, Carolyn R. (Lewis) Martin; three sons, Edward R. Martin, Jr. of Provincetown, Massachusetts, Brian J. Martin and Stephen P. Martin, both of East Providence; two sisters, Marguerite M. Martin and Gertrude A. Martin, both of East Providence; his brother, John J. Martin of Port St. Lucie, Florida; ten grandchildren and six great-children; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and admirers of the late Edward R. Martin. A remarkable gentleman who devoted decades of his life to the children of East Providence and to his community, his life and myriad accomplishments will live on for many, many years to come in the memories of those of us fortunate enough to have been touched by this very special man; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby
is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of
this resolution of Mrs. Carolyn S. Martin.