2023 -- H 6321

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LC002856

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

____________

H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF JAMES J. GILLIS

     Introduced By: Representatives Carson, Abney, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale,
Cortvriend, Finkelman, McGaw, Kennedy, and Ajello

     Date Introduced: April 25, 2023

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this House has learned of the passing of James J.

Gillis of Middletown, the devoted husband of Julie Bisbano and a highly respected and

distinguished longtime reporter and columnist for the Newport Daily News; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Gillis was born in Providence, and was raised in Pawtucket. He was the

son of the late James Gillis Sr., and the late Barbara Gillis. He attended Tolman High School and

attained a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Rhode Island; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Gillis began his professional career as a journalist in 1980 when he

joined the staff of the Newport Daily News. He would soon become a fixture within the Newport

and Aquidneck Island scene as he covered all aspects of life in the community, from wealthy

socialites and elected figures to the daily struggles of the working class and those down on their

luck. His work always exhibited great sympathy for those living on the margins of society. His

Friday "Spare Change" column became a must read in the community; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Gillis also had great love for the arts and music. He covered the

Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals each summer, as well as other important arts & cultural events,

including the Newport Music festival and the now-defunct Newport International Film Festival,

and his work was always enlightening and entertaining; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Gillis will be long remembered for his tireless work ethic, his strong

support for local journalism, and his incredible memory and ability to recall facts and events from

the past at a moment's notice. He was also admired for both being a great conversationalist and a

good listener, an ability he felt was an important skill for a news reporter to have. Mr. Gillis, who

suffered from kidney disease and needed a transplant, was a tireless advocate for organ

transplants and a compassionate supporter of those beginning and undergoing dialysis; and

     WHEREAS, In his free time, Mr. Gillis, along with his wife, Julie, had a love for reading,

writing, interesting conversations while dining out, and a passion for the TV show Jeopardy; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to his wife, Julie Bisbano, Mr. Gillis leaves behind his sister,

Cynthia Gillis, his uncle and godfather, Joseph Gillis Sr., and many cousins, nieces, nephews and

friends; 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 James J. Gillis; 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 Ms. Julie Bisbano and the Gillis Family.

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