2016 -- S 3061

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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 HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF BERNARD FREZZA,

JR.

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

     Date Introduced: June 07, 2016

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

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

Bernard Frezza, Jr., the beloved husband for almost thirty-five years to Victoria Frezza, the

cherished father of Valerie Carnevale and her husband, DJ, Thomas Frezza and his wife, Tori,

and Kimberly Frezza, and a longtime resident of the Town of Johnston. He was also the very

proud grandfather of James David Carnevale; and

     WHEREAS, Bernard Frezza, better known as "Bernie" to his family and many friends,

was born on June 9, 1952, and grew up in the Town of North Providence where he attended the

public schools and built friendships that would last throughout his lifetime. He earned his

Bachelor's degree in Marketing Management and a certificate in Paralegal Studies from Roger

Williams University; and

     WHEREAS, For many years, Bernie was employed and held myriad positions within the

Rhode Island Department of Transportation. In March of 2015, he was named Acting Director of

Legislative and Government Affairs for the Department, and as of May of 2016, he was named

Director. In addition, he had previously been the Public Information Director in the Office of the

Secretary of State under the Honorable James Langevin; and

     WHEREAS, Gifted with an exceptional ability to converse with everyone and on a broad

spectrum of topics, Bernie particularly loved politics and the discussions that ensued. He was a

member of Johnston Democratic Town Committee and had previously been a member of the

North Providence Democratic Town Committee, and was the Chairman of the Johnston Zoning

Board of Review; and

     WHEREAS, Bernie had also been very active in the Boy Scouts organization, serving as

a Troop leader when his son was younger. In addition, he was a member of the Knights of

Columbus Dillon Council; and

     WHEREAS, Bernie had a great sense of humor and a kindness that was irresistible. He

was a remarkably happy man for whom anger was never the road taken. He truly understood the

infinite value of people and had a way of interacting with those around him that made them know

they were important to him and loved. He not only leaves a void in the hearts of his family and

friends but also in their lives. He will be dearly missed; now, therefore be it

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

hereby offers its heartfelt condolences on the passing of Bernard Frezza, Jr. We moreover hope

that sadness will be replaced by warm memories to comfort his family and friends in the days

ahead; 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 Mrs. Victoria Frezza and Family.

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