HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF CONSTANCE PETRARCA

H7060

2026 -- H 7060
========
LC003115
========

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 CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF CONSTANCE PETRARCA

Introduced By:
Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Serpa, Fellela, Chippendale,
Kennedy, Ajello, Ackerman, Solomon, and Boylan

Date Introduced:
January 13, 2026

Referred To:
House read and passed
1
WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this House of Representatives has learned of the
2
passing of Constance Petrarca at the age of 100. She was the beloved wife of the late Adolph J.
3
Petrarca, and was the devoted mother of the Honorable Rhode Island State Representative
4
Patricia Serpa (and the late Joseph Serpa), Lester and Linda Petrarca, and Joanne and Robert
5
Diggins; and
6
WHEREAS, Constance Petrarca was born in Woonsocket on June 28, 1925, daughter of
7
the late Floriane and Aime Groslouis. Constance graduated from West Warwick High School in
8
1943, finishing at the top of her class, and was a member of the Rhode Island Honor Society.
9
Constance was a member of the historic "Greatest Generation" that survived the deprivations of
10
the Great Depression, the winning of World War II and the preservation of democracy in the
11
United States, Western Europe and elsewhere across the globe; and
12
WHEREAS, Constance Petrarca worked as a secretary for many years before becoming a
13
stay-at-home mom. Typical of those who lived through the Great Depression, Constance was a
14
frugal mom and a consummate and tireless bargain hunter. She loved shopping for her family and
15
loved ones and finding good deals at various department stores and thrift shops. Whatever was
16
not used right away became part of her "warehouse," to be used when inevitably someone in her
17
family needed something; and
18
WHEREAS, Constance Petrarca was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-
19
grandmother who always put her loved ones first in her life. Her home was one of love, safety
20
and physical and intellectual nourishment that gave her children a template for success out in the

1
world and in life. Constance was also a devout Catholic and woman of deep faith who prayed the
2
Rosary regularly. In her free time, she enjoyed doing word search puzzles and staying abreast of
3
the local and national news; and
4
WHEREAS, In addition to her children, Constance Petrarca leaves behind her
5
grandchildren, Domenic DiMassi, Lynne and Henry Ruelle, Salvatore and Tonia Petrarca,
6
Madelyn and Philip Swanson, Regina Petrarca, and Jennifer and Matthew Sousa, and her great-
7
grandchildren, Gabriele DiMasi, Torin Ruelle, and Hunter Swanson; now, therefore be it
8
RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
9
expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Constance Petrarca; and be it further
10
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
11
transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Honorable Patricia Serpa and Family.
========
LC003115
========

LC003115 - Page 2 of 2