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Rhode Island Senate adopts condolence resolutions honoring public servants and community members
Summary
The Senate adopted a series of resolutions honoring recently deceased Rhode Islanders — including former Senate majority leader David R. Carlin Jr. and Judge Frank Caprio — with members offering personal tributes before unanimous adoption of the measures.
The Senate of the State of Rhode Island on the floor adopted multiple resolutions expressing condolences for several recently deceased community leaders and public servants.
Senators moved and the chamber adopted resolutions honoring Mary D. Burke; former Senate majority leader David R. Carlin Jr.; labor leader Arthur Amant Coia; Judge Frank Caprio; Edward Catone Jr.; and Ashbel Tingley “AT” Wall II. Each resolution was read into the record and passed on motions to adopt with no recorded roll-call tally except where noted for the consent calendar.
Why it matters: The measures publicly recognize lives of local and state figures whose careers touched municipal government, labor leadership, corrections administration, and the judiciary. Several senators used the floor remarks to note policy and civic legacies — from Judge Caprio’s nationally syndicated court program to AT Wall’s corrections initiatives — that senators said reflected on Rhode Island’s institutions.
Members’ remarks: Whip Tocquian, speaking after the resolution for Mary D. Burke, recounted her role in community and family life and moved passage. Chairman DePalma, speaking on the resolution for David R. Carlin Jr., recalled Carlin’s long career in public service and personal interactions during campaigns. Leader Chacon introduced the resolution for Arthur Coia, noting his labor leadership. On the resolution for Judge Frank Caprio, Senator Bell praised Caprio’s nationally recognized courtroom television work and said, “He tried something different, which was compassion.” President Gallo and others offered tributes highlighting Caprio’s outreach and service.
Procedural note: The resolutions were transmitted for the secretary of state to send certified copies to named families, as the chamber’s procedural language directs. The consent calendar that followed the resolutions was adopted by recorded vote (37 in favor, 0 opposed). The Senate adjourned after moving to do so in memory of those honored earlier in the session.
The Senate did not take any substantive policy votes or introduce bills for first reading during this sitting; the action items were ceremonial condolences, a governor reappointment referral, and the consent calendar.
