Rhode Island Senate unanimously adopts resolution mourning longtime leader Dominic J. Ruggiero

The Rhode Island Senate on April 30 adopted a resolution expressing the chamber’s deepest condolences on the death of Dominic J. Ruggiero, its long-serving president and dean. Senators and the House speaker filled the floor with personal recollections before the chamber rose to approve the measure.

The resolution, read into the record by the clerk, recounted Ruggiero’s decades of public service, his leadership roles in the Senate and his sponsorship of legislation on issues from renewable energy to infrastructure funding. "Senate resolution expressing deepest condolences on the passing of the honorable Dominic J. Ruggiero," the clerk read. Senator Gallo moved passage of the resolution and members spoke in tribute before the chamber recorded the adoption.

Why it matters: Ruggiero’s leadership shaped legislation and relationships across branches of state government for decades. Colleagues described him as a decisive and pragmatic operator who also invested in mentoring staff and newer members — a combination they said made him influential in both policy outcomes and institutional culture.

House Speaker Joseph Shekachi opened the tributes with a personal account of his working relationship with Ruggiero, saying, "I'd like to tell you my story, and I'd like to tell you about some of the conversations we had," and praising Ruggiero’s devotion to the Senate and its members. Several senators echoed that view: Chairwoman Murray said Ruggiero’s "door was always open," and Chairman Basilian recalled that Ruggiero showed care for staff by small acts, including bringing soup when colleagues were ill.

Speakers recalled episodes that illustrated Ruggiero’s influence. Chairman DiPamo noted the length and scale of the funeral motorcade and said the procession resulted in temporary highway closures; other members pointed to Ruggiero’s role in creating task forces, championing the state’s renewable energy goal, and helping secure funding for local projects.

Senators also described Ruggiero’s approach to leadership. Senator Bell said Ruggiero could appear casual but "he knew the numbers" and was willing to put himself on the line for policies he believed in. Senator Quezada recounted an example of Ruggiero listening to a constituent issue about licensure and working to adjust enforcement penalties to reach a practical compromise.

After a period of tributes, the presiding officer closed discussion. The chamber then asked those in favor to rise; the presiding officer announced the resolution passed. Later in the session, Whip Tocoyan moved that the Senate adjourn in Ruggiero’s memory; the motion was seconded by the Senate, members rose in favor, and the Senate adjourned.

What’s next: The resolution directs the secretary of state to transmit certified copies of the condolence resolution to Ruggiero’s family. The Senate’s routine business and committee notices proceeded after the vote.

(Quotes are taken from remarks delivered on the Senate floor during the April 30, 2025 session.)