Introduced By: Senators Parella, Enos, Nygaard, Bates and Patterson
Date Introduced : June 9, 1998
Referred To: Senate Read and Passed
WHEREAS, Pasquale "Pat" Abbruzzi was born in Warren, the son of Pasquale and Dominica (Laudiere) Abbruzzi; and
WHEREAS, He was an outstanding football player, one of the finest in the University of Rhode Island's Gridiron history. Beginning his football career at Warren High School, he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball, making All-State in football in 1949; A dedicated athlete, he got his legs into shape for the start of each season by running the length of the Warren Town beach in water up to his knees; and
WHEREAS, Pat held 10 all time Rhode Island and New England rushing records for 40 years, including 306 yards in a single game and a 99-yard touchdown in 1951. He was named Little All America in 1953 and 1954 and was the only player in Yankee Conference history to be selected to the all conference team four straight years; and
WHEREAS, He was Rhode Island Athlete of the Year in 1954 and Rhode Island Italian-American Athlete of the Year in 1953 and 1954. He played in the CFL for the Montreal Alouettes, making the All Pro teams in 1955-1958, receiving the Schenley Award in 1955 as Canada's Most Outstanding Player and set a Canadian record of 20 touchdowns in a season and has been called the best player in the history of Canadian football; and
WHEREAS, After his playing career was over, he returned to Warren as the high school football coach where he won division championships in 1964, 1966, 1972-1975 and 1984. He was inducted into the University of Rhode Island Hall of Fame in 1972 and the Coaches Hall of Fame in 1976; and
WHEREAS, Pat Abbruzzi was also a mastermind in the kitchen. As the owner and head chef of the former Pat Abbruzzi's House of Naples Restaurant in nearby Seekonk, he created a spaghetti sauce which became as famous as the recipe he used in his own home at 56 Coomer Ave. in Warren. Then, he would transform his magic each year at the annual macaroni and meatball dinner at St. Alexander's Church. the parish to which he was devoted for many years; and
WHEREAS, Pat Abbruzzi and football. Pat Abbruzzi and kids. What wonderful combinations. He will be missed. Football in the fall just won't be the same, but somehow, you know his presence will always be felt. He had that type of impact. He was bigger than life itself; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby extends condolences on the passing of Pasquale "Pat" Abbruzzi and also extends condolences to his wife Filomena, his son Michael, his daughters Diane, Debra, Mary, Julie and Jane, his brothers Mario and John, his sisters Alvera, Ida, Margaret and Telina and his eight grandchildren; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Filomena Abbruzzi.
