2026 -- S 3171

========

LC006221

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

____________

S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF CHARLES J. LARANJO

     Introduced By: Senator Dawn M. Euer

     Date Introduced: March 27, 2026

     Referred To: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar

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

Charles J. Laranjo, a lifelong resident of Newport. He was predeceased by his parents, Jose and

Maria Laranjo, and his sisters, Helen Souza and Mary Williams and his wife, Margaret Ann

Laranjo; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Laranjo graduated from Rogers High School in 1953, where he excelled

academically and received Rhode Island State and National Honor Society Awards. He also

served in the ROTC program from 1951 to 1953. After graduating from high school, Mr. Laranjo

worked for William T. Manning and served in the Rhode Island National Guard; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Laranjo went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education

from Central Connecticut State University in 1959, and later obtained a Master’s Degree in

Education from Bridgewater State University in 1964. Mr. Laranjo then embarked on a long and

distinguished career as an educator, teaching Industrial Arts at Thompson Junior High School

until his retirement in 1990. Mr. Laranjo was listed in “Who’s Who in American College and

Universities,” served as past President of the Industrial Arts Education Club, and was a member

of Kappa Delta Pi Fraternity, the Photography Club, the Radio Club, and the National and

Connecticut Education Associations. Mr. Laranjo also assisted instructors in teaching ceramics at

Salve Regina University; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Laranjo lived a life that was devoted to civic and community service.

Always proud of his Portuguese heritage, he served as both the Treasurer and President of the

Portuguese American Federation, was a member of the Vasco Da Gama Holy Ghost Society,

General Rosecrans Assembly, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, Faithful Navigator, and the

Newport Council of the Knights of Columbus, serving as the Grand Knight. He also served with

the Portuguese Discovery Monument Foundation as a Committee member; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Laranjo also was a member of the Newport Sports Car Club, Kiwanis

Club, Boy Scouts of America, the U.S. Power Squadron, and the NEA Retired Program; and

     WHEREAS, Sailing played a big part of Mr. Laranjo’s life. He was a Life Member of the

Newport Yacht Club, where he met his first wife, Helen Marie, mother to his daughter Wendy.

Mr. Laranjo was a Past Commodore and during his tenure he led the club through its first

expansion. Mr. Laranjo will be long remembered for starting the Junior Sail program and Ensign

Fleet 5. He also served as a member of the Newport Yacht Club’s House Committee, Junior

Activities Committee and the Frost Bite Committee. He will also be long remembered for his

many achievements in racing his Ensign Fleet 4 Burgee in the Ensign Nationals and local races,

along with his many years of hosting the annual Yacht Club Clam Bakes; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Laranjo served on the Newport Waterfront Commission, where he was

instrumental in securing resident parking at Kings Park and returning the Washington Street

Extension to the Newport City rolls. He served as a member of the Friends of the Waterfront, and

the Elks Club of Newport Chapter 104 and received a Certificate of Accomplishment from

Senator Jack Reed for his 30 years of dedication to the Newport Democratic City Committee,

where he held the title of Chairman, and

     WHEREAS, Charles J. Laranjo was a devout Catholic his entire life. He was baptized,

received his First Holy Communion and Confirmation at Jesus Savior Church, and was a member

of Jesus Savior Holy Name Society for over 45 years. He was a dedicated supporter and volunteer

for the Annual Bazaar and Holy Ghost Feast. In 2007, Mr. Laranjo was honored as Man of the

Year by the Holy Name Society. In his later years, he attended Mass at St. Lucy’s Parish in

Middletown; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Laranjo is survived by his daughter, Wendy Laranjo, his siblings,

Theresa Lacerda, Rose Northup, Ann Zerbus, and his lifelong friend, Harold Perlingiero; now,

therefore be it

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

condolences to the Laranjo Family on the passing of Charles J. Laranjo; 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 the family of Charles J. Laranjo.

========

LC006221

========

LC006221 - Page 2 of 3