Introduced By: Senators Algiere, Flynn, Enos, Tavares and Coderre
Date Introduced : May 16, 1997
Referred To: Senate Read and Passed
WHEREAS, A former member of this Senate, and a Sociology Professor at the Community College of Rhode Island, the Honorable James J. Federico, Jr. was born in Westerly, a son of Florence (Ginnoni) Federico of Westerly and the late James J. Federico, Sr. He was the husband of Nancy (Sisk) Federico; and
WHEREAS, A distinguished graduate of LaSalle Academy, where he was an All-State Class A basketball selection in 1963 and 1964, James Federico, Jr. was also named to the All-Rhode Island Catholic High School Squad in 1964; and
WHEREAS, A scholarship and honors student while working toward his 1968 Bachelor's degree in American Government from Harvard, the Honorable James Federico, Jr. went on to earn a Master's degree in Political Science from Fordham University in 1971. A member of Harvard's illustrious Iriquois Club and the Harvard-Radcliffe Young Democrats, he later earned his Doctorate in Law from Boston's Suffolk University Law School; and
WHEREAS, A member of the Westerly Democratic Town Committee, James Federico, Jr.'s political career began when he served as a campaign aid to Senator Claiborne Pell in 1972. Elected to the Rhode Island State Senate from the 26th District in 1974 at the tender age of 28, the Honorable James Federico, Jr. succeeded former Senator Francis A. Gencarelli, and served his constituents and the citizens of Rhode Island with enthusiasm and devotion until 1983. He ran for Lieutenant Governor in 1978; and
WHEREAS, As a Senator, he was appointed to serve on the Task Force on Government Operations at the National Conference of State Legislatures in 1975. He was instrumental in establishing a dialysis facility in Westerly, and was appointed to the Rhode Island Renal Institute's Board of Trustees in 1977; and
WHEREAS, A delegate to the Rhode Island Constitutional Convention, James Federico, Jr. served on the special committee that drew up the resolution under which the State operates its Lottery. His myriad achievements over the years led to his being honored with the Brotherhood Award from the Westerly Lodge of B'nai B'rith in 1978; and
WHEREAS, Besides his wife and mother, James Federico, Jr. leaves two sons, James J. Federico III and David W. Federico, both of Westerly; a brother, Dr. John V. Federico of Madison, Connecticut; and several nieces and nephews; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island Providence Plantations hereby extends its deep and profound condolences to the family and friends of the late Honorable James J. Federico, Jr. A remarkable athlete, scholar, and devoted public servant, the Honorable James J. Federico, Jr. earned the admiration and respect of all Rhode Islanders many times over, and those of us who were fortunate enough to serve in this chamber with him are particularly saddened and diminished by this loss. His legacy of accomplishments will never be forgotten; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Mrs. Nancy Federico and Mrs. Florence Federico.