2026 -- S 2514

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LC004122

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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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 THOMAS JOSEPH HOLLAND

     Introduced By: Senators Lawson, Lauria, DiPalma, Acosta, DiMario, Famiglietti,
Appollonio, Urso, Tikoian, and Vargas

     Date Introduced: February 10, 2026

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

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

Joseph Holland, the devoted husband of the late Veronica "Ronnie" Holland for 55 years. Thomas

was a beloved father, grandfather and good friend to many; and

     WHEREAS, Thomas Joseph Holland was born in Brooklyn, New York and grew up with

a loving family that had recently immigrated from Ireland. After graduating from college in 1959,

Thomas married Veronica, the love of his life, and together they built a beautiful life in Rhode

Island while raising their three daughters, Marybeth Holland O’Hearn, Patricia Holland Draves,

and Margaret Holland McDuff. Throughout his life, Mr. Holland strongly embraced the

principles and values of family, education, and hard work; and

     WHEREAS, Tom worked tirelessly throughout his life to provide for his family and

loved ones and was able to do so thanks to his highly successful career in sales and marketing for

specialty chemical companies. He took great pride in assisting and advising his clients to

successfully bring their visions and ideas to fruition; and

     WHEREAS, In retirement, Tom and his wife enjoyed the snowbird lifestyle, as they

divided their time between Cape Cod and Fort Myers, Florida. Both homes became gathering

places for their children and grandchildren, where many living room “musical shows” were held,

along with joyous 4th of July lobster celebrations; and

     WHEREAS, After his wife’s passing, Mr. Holland devoted his life to the Secular

Franciscan Order, living out the Gospel through charity, humility and kindness within the

nurturing communities at St. Columbkille Church in Fort Myers, later at St. Patrick Church in

Grand River, Iowa, and most recently at the Immaculate Conception Church in Monmouth,

Illinois; and

     WHEREAS, In his final years, Mr. Holland settled in the Midwest with his daughter

Patricia and her husband, Jeffrey, where he shared his New York humor and sensibilities with his

new-found friends; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to his children, Marybeth Holland O’Hearn, Patricia Holland

Draves, and Margaret Holland McDuff, Mr. Holland leaves behind his six grandchildren, Kati,

Kara, Benjamin, William, Thomas, and Matthew, his sister, Peggy, and two sons-in-law, Jeffrey

and Michael. Mr. Holland was preceded in death by his wife, Veronica, his granddaughter,

Alison, his son-in-law, Tom, his brother, Edward, and other family members; now, therefore be it

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

condolences on the passing of Thomas Joseph Holland; 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 Marybeth Holland O’Hearn, Patricia Holland

Draves, and Margaret Holland McDuff.

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