HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF CATHERINE “KITTY” PETRARCA

H8260

2026 -- H 8260
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LC006068
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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 CATHERINE “KITTY”
PETRARCA

Introduced By:
Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Bennett, Place, McNamara,
Shanley, Solomon, Edwards, Hopkins, and Casimiro

Date Introduced:
March 10, 2026

Referred To:
House read and passed
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WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this House has learned of the passing of
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Catherine "Kitty" Petrarca. She was the beloved wife of the late Ralph A. "Happy" Petrarca, with
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whom she shared thirty-nine years of marriage until his passing in 1996. Kitty was also the loving
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mother of Natalie Kiernan and her husband Kevin, Vincent Petrarca and his husband John
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Krawchuk, and Anthony "Tony" Petrarca, Chief Meteorologist at WPRI-TV; and
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WHEREAS, Raised with strong family values, Kitty was the cherished daughter of the
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late Louis and Natalie Santo and resided with her family in the East Natick section of Warwick
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before later making her home in Cranston, where she became known for her warmth, kindness,
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and devotion to family and community; and
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WHEREAS, A woman of deep faith, Kitty was a longtime communicant of Sacred Heart
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Church. Together with her late husband, she served as co-chairperson of the Diocese of
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Providence’s Vision of Hope Campaign during the 1990s, helping to strengthen the mission and
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ministries of the Diocese; and
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WHEREAS, In addition, Kitty was an active and dedicated member of the East Natick
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Vets Ladies Auxiliary for many years, contributing her time and energy in support of veterans
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and their families; and
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WHEREAS, Above all else, Kitty treasured her family. Besides her children she also
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leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Cailey Kiernan, Connor Kiernan, Olivia Venticinque
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and her husband Vincent, and Antonio Petrarca, each of whom brought immense joy to her life.

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She is also survived by her brother, Frank Santo, and was the sister of the late Josephine Silvia;
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and
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WHEREAS, Kitty’s life was defined by faith, friendship, and an unwavering devotion to
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her loved ones. She found great joy in traveling through Europe and the Caribbean, and especially
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cherished the tradition of spending the Fourth of July week each year with family and friends at
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Lake Winnipesaukee; and
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WHEREAS, The memory of Catherine "Kitty" Petrarca will live on through the many
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lives she touched with her generosity, grace, and love, and she will be deeply missed by all who
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had the privilege of knowing her; 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 to the family and friends of Catherine "Kitty" Petrarca; and be
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it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Family of Catherine "Kitty" Petrarca.
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LC006068
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