2023 -- H 6517

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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 JOHN V. GIBBONS, JR.

     Introduced By: Representatives Ackerman, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Voas,
Marszalkowski, Chippendale, Solomon, McNamara, Fellela, and Tanzi

     Date Introduced: June 13, 2023

     Referred To: House read and passed

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

Gibbons, Jr., of Cumberland, the beloved husband of Amy Gibbons; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Gibbons was born in Woonsocket, son of the late John Gibbons, Sr.,

and the late Helene Gibbons. He was a graduate of Mount Saint Charles Academy and the

University of New Haven, where he attained a Bachelor's degree in Tourism & Hospitality

Management; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Gibbons began his distinguished hospitality career in 1998, when he

accepted a position as the Director of Tourism with the City of Fall River, serving the Mayor as

an advisor on issues related to tourism and special events. In 2002, he accepted a position as the

Director of Sales & Marketing with the Worcester County Convention & Visitors Bureau where

he promoted special events for the 59 cities and towns within Worcester County; and

     WHEREAS, In late 2006, Mr. Gibbons was appointed as the Director of National

Accounts for the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, (CVB) where his

responsibilities and duties included directing the sports market for the CVB and assisting with the

planning of important sports events in the Greater Providence region; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Gibbons ascended to the position of Executive Director of the Rhode

Island Sports Commission in late 2010, and earned wide praise for his work in promoting the

State of Rhode Island as a premier sports destination in both New England and the nation. Thanks

to his tireless work ethic and passion for all things sports and Rhode Island, and his willingness to

travel across the nation promoting Rhode Island, Mr. Gibbons was able to bring millions of

dollars into the State of Rhode Island's economy, helping to bring important athletic events such

as the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, Ice Hockey, Division III Wrestling and Lacrosse

Tournaments to our State; and

     WHEREAS, In recognition of all he has done to support and expand the hospitality

industry in Rhode Island, Mr. Gibbons was awarded the 2022 Community Hospitality

Ambassador of the Year Award from the Rhode Island Hospitality Association; and

     WHEREAS, Mr. Gibbons also served the citizens of Cumberland with integrity and

distinction as a two-time member of the Cumberland School Committee. He also served as the

Vice-Chairman of the Maplewood Farms Condominium Association; and

     WHEREAS, First and foremost in Mr. Gibbons' life was always his family. He was a

devoted husband, father, grandfather and sibling; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to his wife, Amy, Mr. Gibbons leaves behind his children, Erin

Wood and her husband, Austen, Chelsea Gibbons, and Sean Gibbons and his wife, Spencer, and

his grandchildren, Cole, Logan, Lucas, Sydney, Eloise, Simon and Howard. He is also survived

by his sister, Maureen McCabe, and his five nieces and nephews, relatives, and many friends;

now, therefore be it

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

expresses its condolences on the passing of John V. Gibbons, Jr.; 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. Amy Gibbons and Family.

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