2014 -- S 2765

========

LC005061

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014

____________

S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING ITS DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF GEORGE NASUTI,

WOONSOCKET HIGH SCHOOL'S BELOVED ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

     Introduced By: Senators Picard, Cote, Algiere, Metts, and Satchell

     Date Introduced: March 12, 2014

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, It is with heavy hearts that this Senate has learned of the tragic passing of

George Nasuti, who passed away from head injuries suffered when he fell while refereeing a

youth basketball game in Burrillville. He was fifty-two years old and leaves behind his wife

Carol, and sons, Christopher and Sean; and

     WHEREAS, For decades, George Nasuti has been a beloved fixture within the athletic

and educational scene in Woonsocket. George served his community with tireless devotion for

many years as a Woonsocket teacher, high school principal, elementary school principal, junior

high baseball coach and Woonsocket head football coach. He was honored in 2010 by being

chosen the Rhode Island Athletic Director of the Year by the state's Athletic Directors

Association; and

     WHEREAS, George was a natural leader who would do anything to help young people

and give them opportunities to excel in life. When Woonsocket was having budget problems in

1991, and it looked like all high school sports, as well as other extracurricular activities, were

going to be on the chopping block, it was George who people turned to in order to save these vital

programs for the young people of Woonsocket; and

     WHEREAS, George formed a coalition with other coaches in the community and did a

magnificent job of fundraising and was able to save not only the sports programs but also other

vital enrichment programs such as art and music; and

     WHEREAS, Many people have paid tribute to the memory of George Nasuti since his

passing including former Woonsocket High School athletes, numerous teachers and many of his

Athletic Director peers from various high schools throughout the state, but a couple of tributes

stand out as testaments to how beloved George was and what a kind and decent person he was at

all times. When news of George's injury first became public, a Facebook page was set up in his

honor and approximately 1,300 people joined a "Prayers for George Nasuti" page; and

     WHEREAS, When the tragic news that Mr. Nasuti had passed was received, Woonsocket

Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt, who attended Pothier Elementary School with George Nasuti, said

about him, "He was everything bundled up in one person that you'd hope your own child would

become," and she added that "George was that person who made sure everyone was treated fairly.

He was a young gentleman then, and he was a young gentleman when he grew up."; now,

therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby expresses its deepest condolences to the Nasuti Family on the passing of George Nasuti;

and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to his wife, Carol Nasuti and sons, Christopher

and Sean.

========

LC005061

========

LC005061 - Page 2 of 1