HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE 70TH GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND, THE HONORABLE EDWARD D. DIPRETE

H7018

2026 -- H 7018
========
LC003114
========

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
____________
H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE 70TH GOVERNOR
OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND, THE HONORABLE EDWARD D. DIPRETE

Introduced By:
Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Newberry, Chippendale, Place,
Fascia, Santucci, Paplauskas, Hopkins, and Nardone

Date Introduced:
January 08, 2026

Referred To:
House read and passed
1
WHEREAS, Edward Daniel DiPrete was born in the City of Cranston in 1934, the son of
2
Mary and Frank DiPrete, who had immigrated to America from Italy at the age of 5. He was a
3
graduate of LaSalle Academy, earned his Bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross,
4
and proudly served in the United States Navy, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Commander in
5
the Naval Reserve; and
6
WHEREAS, Upon returning from the service, Mr. DiPrete joined his father’s real estate
7
firm. In 1970, he began his political career when he was elected to the Cranston School
8
Committee for two terms, serving as Chairman until 1974. He went on to win a seat on the
9
Cranston City Council, followed by a successful election to become Mayor of Cranston; and
10
WHEREAS, From 1985 to 1991, the Honorable Ed DiPrete served the people of Rhode
11
Island as Governor, and his tenure is credited with many successes, including advancements in
12
education and infrastructure, the protection and creation of vast open spaces, the renovation of
13
Scarborough Beach, and four personal tax reductions during his term as Governor; and
14
WHEREAS, Governor DiPrete was “down-to-earth”, popular with voters, and although a
15
Republican Governor, he maintained good relations with the overwhelming Democratic
16
legislature. He has been commended as “very astute, up to date on everything," and as a Governor
17
who surrounded himself “with really talented people”; and
18
WHEREAS, In addition to his responsibilities as Governor, Mr. DiPrete chaired the
19
Coalition of Northeastern Governors and the New England Governors’ Conference as well as the

1
New England Partnership for Science and Technology; and
2
WHEREAS, Ed DiPrete was devoted to his family and adored traveling with them across
3
the United States in his infamous Winnebago. After his years of public service, he spent much of
4
his life out of the public eye as the beloved husband of the late Patricia DiPrete, the proud father
5
of seven, Edward Jr., Dennis, Nancy, Patricia, Mary Ellen, Kathleen and Thomas, and the
6
cherished grandfather and great-grandfather to many; and
7
WHEREAS, The Honorable Edward DiPrete had turned 91 on the day of his passing and
8
will always be remembered with love as a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, and for his
9
service to our Country and this State; now, therefore be it
10
RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
11
extends deepest condolences on the passing of the Honorable Edward D. DiPrete; and be it
12
further
13
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
14
transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Family of Edward D. DiPrete.
========
LC003114
========

LC003114 - Page 2 of 2