=======
PD00670
=======

WHEREAS, Nothing can be so sad in this world as the death of a young person of promise, one who leaves our midst before truly experiencing the joys and rich diversity of life. Joseph R. O'Neill, a 23-year-old junior at the University of Rhode Island, was just such a fine young man, and his recent death saddens and diminishes us all; and

WHEREAS, Born in South Kingstown, Joseph R. O'Neill was the son of William C. O'Neill, a former member of the General Assembly, who served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and Ann (Richardson) O'Neill, the current President of the South County Tourism Council; and

WHEREAS, One of the first male students at The Prout School in Wakefield, where he was active in leadership programs, co-captain of the basketball team, and assistant coach of the girls' soccer team, Joseph R. O'Neill also delivered the Class of 1993 farewell address at graduation; and

WHEREAS, The manager for three years of the Strudels N' Cream coffee shop, Joseph also worked at "At My Uncle's" Restaurant for two years; and

WHEREAS, A resident of Narragansett for most of his life, Joseph O'Neill was a communicant of Christ the King Church in Kingston, and a member of the Dunes Club; and

WHEREAS, Besides his parents, Joseph R. O'Neill leaves a sister, Terry E. O'Neill of Boston, and two brothers, Timothy P. O'Neill of Providence and Rory O'Neill of Daytona Beach, Florida; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby extends its deep and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the late Joseph R. O'Neill. His all too brief life will certainly occupy a special, loving niche in the memory of everyone fortunate enough to have been touched by him; 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 to the Honorable Richard C. and Ann O'Neill.