Introduced By: Senators Irons, Coderre T., Enos, Kelly, Algiere and
Date Introduced : June 15, 1999
Referred To: Read and passed
WHEREAS, It is with deep regret and sadness that we have learned of the passing of John E. Tabella, Deputy Secretary of State, Chief of Staff for Rhode Island Secretary of State James R. Langevin. He was the beloved husband of Wendy (Benson) Tabella and devoted son of Patricia (Dwyer) Tabella of East Providence and the late John Tabella. He was a graduate of Sacred Heart School, a 1982 graduate of St. Raphael's Academy and studied political science and religious studies at Providence College; and
WHEREAS, John was a caring man with a strong sense of responsibility to his family and to the State of Rhode Island. He played a key role in Langevin's effort to put state government information on the Internet. In 1988, John launched Impact Communications, a political consulting/public affairs and publishing firm where he published a package of legislative information products and, with his mother, Patricia, developed daily and weekly legislative reports to track legislation through the process. After serving as campaign manager for Langevin's campaign for Secretary of State in 1994, he and his mother closed Impact and turned their product over to the state which now offers them free through the Secretary of State's Public Information Center; and
WHEREAS, John was a committed public servant who was active in Democratic politics from a young age. A lifelong Rhode Islander, Mr. Tabella was appointed by former Governor J. Joseph Garrahy as a statewide coordinator for the Legislative Commission on Volunteerism and Citizen Participation, and was a college coordinator and delegate for Senator John Glenn's presidential campaign. In 1984, John interned in the Washington, DC office of Senator Claiborne Pell. He also worked on a variety of campaigns, including Victoria Lederberg for Secretary of State; those of State Senators William V. Irons and Richard Licht; Senator Edward M. Kennedy's 1980 presidential run; and President Jimmy Carter's reelection campaign of 1980. In 1985, he led a successful effort to revive the state's long-dormant Young Democrats organization. He was elected president of the organization and served as a member of the national board of the young Democrats of America; and
WHEREAS, His integrity, common sense and good nature enriched the lives of all who knew him. John's joy of life, kind heart and wit extended into his family, his community and his work. John will be sorely missed by the entire legislature and staff of the Rhode Island State house and all who him; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby expresses its deepest sympathies to the Tabella family on the passing of John E. Tabella and that he will forever be remembered by the entire membership and staff for his commitment and concern for all, especially the citizens of the State of Rhode Island; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Mrs. Wendy Tabella.
