2016 -- S 2258

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LC004355

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2016

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF VINCENT ALBERT

"BUDDY" CIANCI, JR.

     Introduced By: Senators Goodwin, Ruggerio, Ciccone, Jabour, and Pichardo

     Date Introduced: February 10, 2016

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, It is with great sadness that this Senate has learned of the passing of Vincent

A. "Buddy" Cianci, former Mayor of the City of Providence, renowned radio show host, the

ABC6 Chief Political Analyst, and a beloved larger-than-life personality; and

     WHEREAS, Buddy Cianci was born and raised in the Laurel Hill section of the City of

Cranston, the youngest son of the late Dr. Vincent and Esther Cianci, the brother of Carol, and the

grandson of Italian immigrants. He was a graduate of Moses Brown School, and earned a degree

in government from Fairfield University, his Master's degree from Villanova University, and his

law degree from Marquette University. He was the adored father of the late Nicole B. Cianci, the

cherished grandfather of Olivia, Joseph and Julius, and had just recently become engaged to Tara

Marie Haywood; and

     WHEREAS, With a determination and ability that few people possess, Buddy Cianci was

elected and sworn in as Mayor of the City Providence on January 6th of 1975. He became the

city's first Italian-American Mayor and would eventually become the longest-serving mayor in

the state, having served from 1975 to 1984, and from 1991 to 2002; and

     WHEREAS, During his tenure as Mayor of Providence, Buddy Cianci's dynamic

presence and the sheer magnitude of his oratory gift led to the transformation of the city's skyline

and marked the return of numerous businesses, tourists and inspired the city's "renaissance." He

was also a vigilant and dedicated supporter of the arts and in particular, the Providence

Performing Arts Center, earning him the first "Star of Touring Broadway" Award; and

     WHEREAS, From an early age, Buddy had taken a keen interest in radio and was part of

WJAR's "kiddie review." In March of 1985, he returned to radio and began his career as a full-

time radio talk show host and on-air personality for WHJJ-AM, and for four years running, he

was voted the state's best radio host. Most recently, he had been a host on WPRO-AM, and in

2013, he was inducted into the Rhode Island Radio Hall of Fame; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to serving as Mayor of Providence and his more than 40 years in

radio, Buddy had served on active duty in the Military Police Corps from 1967-1969, and as a

Civil Affairs Officer in the Army Reserves until 1972. He was also a Special Assistant Attorney

General from 1969-1973, and had served as the prosecutor of the Office of the Attorney General's

Anti-Corruption Strike Force; and

     WHEREAS, It was once said that "An attitude of positive expectation is the mark of the

superior personality." No matter what trials and tribulations Buddy Cianci faced during his epic

lifetime, he always rebounded with fervor and an enthusiasm that was infectious. His style,

charisma, and passion for the City of Providence and our state have left a legacy that will never

be forgotten and he will be dearly missed; now, therefore be it

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

hereby expresses our deepest sympathies on the passing of Vincent A. "Buddy" Cianci, Jr.; and

be it further

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

transmit a duly certified copies of this resolution to the Family of Vincent Albert Cianci and Tara

Marie Haywood.

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LC004355

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