2017 -- H 6179

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LC002623

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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 AMEDEO C. MEROLLA,

BRIGADIER GENERAL, RET.

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

     Date Introduced: May 02, 2017

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with utmost sadness that we have learned of the passing of retired

Brigadier General Amedeo C. Merolla, beloved husband of Norma H. Merolla for sixty-four

years, devoted father of Katherine Merolla, Esq., and her husband, Dr. George Kay, Julie

Merolla, MSW, LICSW and her husband, Thomas Rolin, Major Sandra Merolla (USARNG, Ret.)

and her husband, Major Daniel Hogan (USAR, Ret.), and the Honorable Steve Merolla, Esq., and

his wife, Michelle Accetturo-Merolla. He was also the very proud "Papa" of Jeremy, Nicholas,

Matthew, Katie, Robert, Jennifer, Brianna, Madison, and Bella; and

     WHEREAS, Known as "Armie" to his family and friends, he was born in the Federal Hill

neighborhood of Providence, a son of the late John and Olympia Merolla. He was a graduate of

Mount Pleasant High School, earned his Bachelor's degree from Brown University, attained his

Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, and had attended the U.S. Army Command and General

Staff College, and the U.S. Army War College; and

     WHEREAS, While at Brown University, Mr. Merolla enlisted in the Marine Corps

Reserve. He later graduated from the Marine Corps Infantry Platoon Leaders' Course at Quantico

and subsequently enlisted in the Rhode Island Army National Guard (RIARNG) where he was

awarded a direct commission as a First Lieutenant, Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps; and

     WHEREAS, During his thirty-six year military career, General Merolla served in the

Military Police, JAG, Field Artillery, and Military Intelligence branches, including serving as

State Inspector General of the RIARNG and as State Staff Judge Advocate of the RIARNG. In

1984, he became the first Italian-American appointed by RIARNG as a General Officer when he

was confirmed as a Brigadier General, and in 1985, he was appointed to the post of Assistant

Adjutant General and Deputy Commanding General–Army of the RIARNG, where he served

until his retirement; and

     WHEREAS, Never a man to remain idle, upon retirement from RIARNG, General

Merolla was appointed Commander of the Rhode Island State Defense Force, and later was

granted the honorary rank of Major General in the Rhode Island Militia. During his distinguished

military career, he was awarded myriad honors and decorations including the Legion of Merit,

Meritorious Service Medal, and the Rhode Island Cross for Valor; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to his military career, Mr. Merolla was a member of the Rhode

Island and Massachusetts Bar Associations, and had been the senior managing partner of Merolla,

Accetturo & Lough. He had served in a panoply of capacities including as Judge Advocate

General and Assistant Providence City Solicitor, and legal counsel to the Rhode Island Secretary

of State, the Rhode Island Public Buildings Authority, the Director of the Rhode Island

Department of Administration, and Congressman James Langevin, and had served on myriad

professional committees and with numerous community organizations; and

     WHEREAS, Through his service in the military and in the community, General Merolla

left a legacy of dedication and commitment to our nation and this state. He was a steadfast

gentleman, whose integrity and determination enriched the lives of all who knew him and was an

inspiration to us all; now, therefore be it

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

Providence Plantations hereby expresses our deepest sympathies on the passing of Amedeo C.

Merolla; 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 Norma H. Merolla and Family.

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