2023 -- H 5482

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LC001562

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE JUDGE

RAYMOND P. COONEY

     Introduced By: Representatives Giraldo, Voas, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale,
Kennedy, Tanzi, Cotter, Fenton-Fung, and Solomon

     Date Introduced: February 09, 2023

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, The Honorable Raymond P. Cooney was a lifelong resident of Central Falls,

and the son of the late Mary and Stephen Cooney; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Cooney was a graduate of Holy Trinity School, Central Falls High

School, Rhode Island College, and the University of Tulsa College of Law. He also studied at

Suffolk University and the Rhode Island Conservatory of Music; and

     WHEREAS, A dedicated public servant, Mr. Cooney served the City of Central Falls

with distinction for many years as a Municipal Court Judge, and as a City Solicitor on two

separate occasions. Additionally, he served as an officer on numerous boards in the Blackstone

Valley area, including the former Central Falls Community Center, Wilfrid Manor, and the

Blackstone Valley Charter School; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to his work for the City of Central Falls, Mr. Cooney was an

accomplished practicing attorney, which included doing legal work at the State House and

RISDIC Savings & Loan Litigation; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Cooney was also a talented pianist who had a lifelong interest and love

for music. He enjoyed all kinds of music, classical, showtunes, Big Bands, the Beatles and most

other kinds of music, and loved nothing more than playing the piano for his mother and, most

recently, for residents at assisted needs facilities; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Cooney also loved good conversation and pontificating on the news of

the day and the fate of local sports teams. Above everything else, his family was always the most

important priority in his life, and he especially enjoyed family gatherings with everyone

delighting in good food and music. His relentless optimism was a light that shone on this world

and he will be sorely missed; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Cooney leaves behind his son, Jonathan Cooney, partner Madisson

Melendez, daughter Allana Cooney, and grandchildren, Rayvyn, Jacob and Morgan Walsh. He is

also survived by his godson Stephen Cooney, Esq., and his wife, Becky, sisters, Barbara Lariviere

and her husband, Wilfred, Carol Folan and her husband, Frank, and Marilyn Cooney, former

stepdaughter Dana Sorrentino, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also predeceased

by his brothers, Daniel and Dennis Cooney, and his former wife, Margaret Cooney; now,

therefore be it

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

expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of the Honorable Raymond P. Cooney; 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 Jonathan Cooney and Allana Cooney.

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