The Senate Chamber at the Rhode Island State House has been formally dedicated to honor former Senate President Dominick Ruggerio who passed away last year.
Family, friends and colleagues gathered on the Senate floor Thursday for the unveiling of a plaque naming the chamber after the late senator who served for more than four decades.
“As the Dean of the Senate, and the longest-tenured member of the General Assembly, Senate President Ruggerio left an indelible mark at the State House. His legacy in the Senate, where he served as a member for four decades, will be felt for generations to come. Honoring his incredible record of service to his constituents, the Senate, and the state of Rhode Island through the naming of the President Dominick J. Ruggerio Senate Chamber is an appropriate tribute to our dear friend,” said President Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence).
“My father truly loved serving his constituents, and all Rhode Islanders, as a member of the Rhode Island Senate. He cared deeply about the Senate as an institution, and he believed strongly that those privileged to sit in the Senate Chamber have a responsibility to help improve our state and make people’s lives better. On those counts, he accomplished a great deal over the course of his career. Since his passing, I have been reminded time and time again of how many people’s lives he touched, especially among his Senate family. On behalf of the entire Ruggerio family, I want to express our gratitude to President Lawson, Leader Ciccone, Whip Tikoian, the members of the Senate and House, and Governor McKee for this tribute,” said President Ruggerio’s son, Charles Ruggerio.
Ruggerio died at the age of 76 last April following a battle with cancer.
(Photo provided Rhode Island State Senate)
Photo: Capitol TV