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HR 8442

HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF BERNARD W. GEORGE

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Chippendale and 9 co-sponsors

The bill formally expresses Rhode Island’s condolences for Bernard W. George, highlighting his military service, Boy Scouts leadership, scientific work, faith, and family.

04/14/2026 House read and passed
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 8442

Summary of House Resolution expressing condolences on the passing of Bernard W. George (HR 8442, 2026, Rhode Island)

Purpose

  • The bill is a House Resolution expressing condolences to the family of Bernard W. George of Coventry, Rhode Island, following his death after a months-long illness with pancreatic cancer.
  • It serves as an official gesture of sympathy and honor from the Rhode Island House of Representatives.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Declares the House’s deepest condolences for the passing of Bernard W. George.
  • Describes Mr. George’s life, character, and service, including:
    • Longtime husband to Dawn George (62 years).
    • Native Rhode Islander; son of Gilbert and Louise George.
    • Eagle Scout and 54 years of involvement with the Boy Scouts (9 years as Cub Scout Master; 35 years as Scout Master for Troop 39 Summit).
    • U.S. Navy veteran, progressing from enlisted to officer, referred to as a “Mustang.”
    • Family connections, including his wife Dawn, who is a former Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army and Reserves.
    • Former director of two laboratories, working as a microbiologist for the State of Rhode Island.
    • A devout Christian who attended daily Mass at Saints John & Paul Church and served as an Eucharistic Minister.
    • Personal interests: swimming with grandchildren, walking and biking, lemon Danish from Borelli’s, family dinners, reading nonfiction, watching NCIS, and playing with his granddaughter/grand dog.
  • Recognizes his survivors: wife Dawn; sons Todd George (and wife Kim), Eric George (and wife Lindsay), and Michael George; grandchildren Trent and Madeleine George.
  • Directs the Secretary of State to deliver a certified copy of the resolution to Dawn George and family.

Who is Affected

  • The primary beneficiary is the immediate family of Bernard W. George (spouse, children, grandchildren) and the broader Rhode Island community recognizing his public service and character.
  • No legal rights, funds, or policy changes are enacted; this is purely ceremonial.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: April 14, 2026.
  • Action: House read and passed on April 14, 2026.
  • Next step: The resolution is transmitted to the family via the Secretary of State.

Additional Context

  • The resolution highlights Mr. George’s community involvement (Boy Scouts), military service, professional contributions in Rhode Island’s public health/science sector, and personal faith.
  • It serves as a formal acknowledgment of an individual's contributions and a customary expression of sympathy from the state legislature.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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