HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF MICHAEL D. ZARUM

H8257

2026 -- H 8257
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LC006060
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF MICHAEL D. ZARUM

Introduced By:
Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, McNamara, Bennett, Place,
Hopkins, Shanley, Fellela, Ajello, and Diaz

Date Introduced:
March 10, 2026

Referred To:
House read and passed
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WHEREAS, It is with profound sadness that this House has learned of the passing of
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Michael D. Zarum, a lifelong resident of Warwick, who died on March 3, 2026, at Rhode Island
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Hospital following injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident on Warwick Avenue; and
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WHEREAS, On the evening of February 25, 2026, at approximately 8 p.m., Warwick
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police responded to a motor vehicle crash involving Mr. Zarum near 1222 Warwick Avenue, in
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the area of Planet Fitness, where he was struck by a southbound sedan while crossing the
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roadway; and
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WHEREAS, Police determined that speed, impairment, and distracted driving did not
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appear to be contributing factors, with the driver remaining at the scene and fully cooperating
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with the investigation; and
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WHEREAS, Michael was born in the City of Providence, the son of the late Joel and
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Marjorie Zucker, and the dear brother of Ella Zarum. He attended Christopher Rhodes
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Elementary School, Aldrich Junior High School, and Pilgrim High School; and
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WHEREAS, He earned a degree in civil engineering from the University of Rhode Island
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and a master’s degree from Northeastern University; and
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WHEREAS, Michael worked in civil engineering on the Boston Orange Line extension
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and later for Raytheon and Oracle in the Silicon Valley before returning to Warwick to support
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his family and remain in his hometown; and
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WHEREAS, Michael was a lifelong advocate for the environment and civic engagement,
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serving for nine years on the Warwick Land Trust and for fifteen years with the Buckeye Brook

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Coalition, where he led public efforts including the construction and operation of a deicing
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stormwater treatment facility at T.F. Green International Airport and the implementation of an
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air-quality monitoring program; and
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WHEREAS, Known by fellow community members as an “environmental superhero,”
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Michael actively participated in municipal meetings, provided input on state and Warwick
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legislation, and worked tirelessly to safeguard open spaces, protect Buckeye Brook, ensure the
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airport adhered to strict pollution standards, and address environmental concerns affecting all
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Warwick residents; and
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WHEREAS, Michael obtained his pilot’s license at age sixteen, enjoyed Rhode Island’s
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beaches and natural environments, and treasured time spent with friends and family in his
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community; and
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WHEREAS, Michael will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and all
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who had the privilege of knowing him, and his legacy of environmental stewardship and civic
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dedication will continue to inspire residents of Warwick; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Michael D. Zarum, acknowledges the tragic
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circumstances of his death, and extends sincere sympathy to his family and loved ones during this
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time of sorrow; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is respectfully requested to
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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the family of Michael D. Zarum.
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