2017 -- H 5363

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LC001208

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2017

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING SINCERE CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF JOSEPH D.

WOLFERSEDER

     Introduced By: Representatives Solomon, Shekarchi, Bennett, Vella-Wilkinson, and
McNamara

     Date Introduced: February 02, 2017

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with great sadness that this House has learned of the passing of Joseph

D. Wolferseder, the devoted husband of Ellen A. Wolferseder for 57 years, and the beloved father

of Paula Wolferseder Yabar, Joseph G. Wolferseder, Christopher J. Wolferseder, and Peter W.

Wolferseder and his wife, Shirley. He was also the proud grandfather of five grandchildren, and

the uncle of many nieces and nephews; and

     WHEREAS, Born in Providence on May 19, 1931, Mr. Wolferseder was a son of the late

Frank X. and Carrie E. Wolferseder, and the brother of the late Mary Hughes, Hazel Gibson,

Dorothy Christiansen, and Milton Wolferseder; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Wolferseder was a graduate of Providence College, class of 1953.

From 1953 through 1955, he served our country with honor and distinction in the United States

Army during the Korean War at Fort Eustis, Virginia, and was awarded the Certificate of

Commendation for Outstanding Service; and

     WHEREAS, Upon his discharge, Mr. Wolferseder returned to the Ocean State and

continued his education, receiving his Master's degree in secondary school education from Rhode

Island College and completing additional professional studies at the College of William & Mary,

the University of Rhode Island, and Boston University; and

     WHEREAS, To the very good fortune of generations of students attending Warwick's

public schools, Mr. Wolferseder began teaching, first as an English teacher, followed by social

studies, and vocal music at Gorton Junior High School. By consistently demonstrating an abiding

passion for teaching, he was promoted to the position of assistant principal serving the students at

both Gorton and Aldrich Junior High School; and

     WHEREAS, Devoted to his faith, Mr. Wolferseder served his parish, St. Kevin's, for 50

years as the first church organist and choir director. He also served as the assistant principal and

later as the principal of St. Kevin's School, and undertook numerous leadership roles serving on

myriad local school boards and committees; and

     WHEREAS, A life-long learner and avid reader, Mr. Wolferseder was a consummate

student of history, who enjoyed exploring his own family genealogy as well as the history of the

United States and the world; and

     WHEREAS, Joseph Wolferseder was a devoted family man, a steadfast gentleman, and a

dedicated teacher and friend, who helped his students and all around him, to find the very best in

themselves. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby extend our heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Joseph D.

Wolferseder; and be it further

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

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mrs. Ellen A. Wolferseder and Family.

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