2025 -- S 0081

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LC000578

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF JOSEPH A. GILMARTIN

     Introduced By: Senators DiMario, Lawson, LaMountain, Felag, Dimitri, Tikoian, Bell,
Lauria, Mack, and McKenney

     Date Introduced: January 28, 2025

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

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

A. Gilmartin. He was the beloved husband of Mary Barden, who serves as the Executive Director

of the National Education Association of Rhode Island; and

     WHEREAS, Joseph A. Gilmartin was born in Providence, the son of the late Joseph T.

Gilmartin, III, and Betty Lou Gilmartin. Mr. Gilmartin was a gifted history teacher with the North

Kingstown public schools and was widely admired by his students and their parents for his

passion for teaching history and making a positive difference in the lives of so many of his

students. His pupils left his classrooms more knowledgeable about the world they live in, how the

past shapes current and future events, and better prepared to be successful adults and to make

positive contributions to their communities and to succeed in life; and

     WHEREAS, Joseph Gilmartin loved sports. He enjoyed playing baseball and was a

highly successful football, baseball, basketball and hockey coach at various North Kingstown

public schools and at Bishop Feehan High School. He was a very accomplished coach who

received numerous awards in recognition of his outstanding success as a coach, including several

Coach of the Year acknowledgements from multiple organizations; and

     WHEREAS, Joseph Gilmartin's greatest success was as the head football coach at North

Kingstown High School, taking what once was a moribund program and turning it into one of

champions. Thanks to Coach Gilmartin, the Skippers compiled an outstanding 30-5 record in

league play from 2013 to 2017, and captured their first undisputed Division II Super Bowl

Championship in 2017. He retired from coaching in 2019 after winning an unpreceded three

straight championship trophies; and

     WHEREAS, Joseph Gilmartin was also an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed spending time

communing with nature and a devoted fisherman who enjoyed spending time fishing in both

Rhode Island and Alaska. He was also a member of the Rhode Island Shellfisherman's

Association; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to his wife, Mary K. Barden, Mr. Gilmartin leaves behind his

children, Joseph, Theresa, and Benjamin Gilmartin. He was the beloved brother of Linda

Hancock, Judy Gilmartin, Robyn Gilmartin, and the late Patricia Ponte. He also leaves behind

numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and

     WHEREAS, Joseph A. Gilmartin's passing is a tragic loss for his loving family, many

friends, and the North Kingstown community. He was a bright, shining light and a force for good

who made a positive difference in the lives of his students, many friends, and his loved ones, and

he will long live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew him; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby expresses condolences

to the Gilmartin Family on the passing of Joseph A. Gilmartin; 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 Mary Barden, Joseph Gilmartin, Theresa

Gilmartin, and Benjamin Gilmartin.

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LC000578

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