2016 -- S 2920

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LC005785

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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

EXTENDING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE GEORGE R.

LEVESQUE

     Introduced By: Senators Paiva Weed, Ruggerio, Goodwin, Felag, and DiPalma

     Date Introduced: April 27, 2016

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, It is with profound sadness and regret that this Senate has learned of the

passing of the Honorable George R. Levesque, a well-respected resident of the City of Newport

and a former member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives; and

     WHEREAS, A son of the late Thomas and Anna Levesque, George Levesque was a

graduate of Portsmouth High School, and earned his degree from Roger Williams University

1973. He was the brother of Tom Levesque and his wife, Susan, Ern Levesque and his wife,

Marie Cespedis, Family Court Magistrate, Charles Levesque and the late Honorable Mary

Levesque. He is also survived by his nephew Tom, his niece Michelle and his great-nephews

Michael and Gabriel. George was also blessed with the love and friendship of his "other family",

David Pritchard, Paula Rosin, Evan Rosin-Pritchard and Leah Rosin-Pritchard; and

     WHEREAS, Through his family, Mr. Levesque had learned responsibility and civic duty

at an early age. Both his father and sister served the people of Rhode Island in the General

Assembly. In November of 1996, he was elected to the Rhode Island House of Representatives,

and served through January of 2002. During his tenure, he was a valued member of the House

Committee on Special Legislation, and had championed such issues as fair pay and parity for

mental health and substance abuse care; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to his service in the General Assembly, Mr. Levesque was

employed as the Transportation Director for the James L. Maher Center in Middletown from

1997 until his retirement in 2012. He had previously worked as a teacher’s aide for several years

in the Middletown Alternative Learning Program. He was also a former member of the

Jamestown Housing Authority and a member of a Senatorial District Committee; and

     WHEREAS, Never one to remain idle, upon his retirement Mr. Levesque became a

volunteer at AdCare Rhode Island and remained very active in the recovery community until his

passing. He was a full Irishman at heart, a movie buff and a music fan, and an avid reader and

lover of poetry, people, and the ocean. He was an enchanting gatherer of vast and varied

friendships who inspired great love, loyalty, and devotion from all who knew him. He will be

dearly missed and always remembered; now, therefore be it

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

hereby offers its sincere condolences on the passing of the Honorable George R. Levesque; 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 Tom and Susan Levesque and Family, Ern

Levesque and Marie Cespedis, and the Honorable Charles Levesque.

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LC005785

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