HOUSE RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE EDWARD L. MAGGIACOMO

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jackie Baginski and 9 co-sponsors

The resolution formally expresses Rhode Island’s condolences and recognizes Edward L. Maggiacomo’s lifetime of law, public service, and community contributions.

05/21/2026 House read and passed

Summary of Bill

Bill and Context

Bill: HR 8573

Session: 2026

Jurisdiction: Rhode Island

Type: House Resolution expressing condolences

Introduced: May 21, 2026

Status: Read and passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives on May 21, 2026

Sponsors: Representative Blazejewski (primary) and multiple co-sponsors (Kazarian, Lima, Chippendale, Paplauskas, Potter, Baginski, J. Brien, McNamara, Kennedy)

Purpose and Intent

The resolution expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives’ deepest condolences on the passing of the Honorable Edward L. Maggiacomo.

It commemorates Maggiacomo’s life, public service, professional career, family, and contributions to the state and nation.

Key Provisions and Provisions Summary

Recognition of Maggiacomo’s background:

Born in Providence (1936); raised in Cranston; son of Guiseppe and Guilia Maggiacomo; youngest of seven children.

Education and early career:

Providence College alumnus; served as a Lieutenant in the United States Army.
Met his wife Inge during Army service in Germany; married for 64 years; four children.
Later earned a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.

Professional achievements:

Founding member of Adler Pollock & Sheehan P.C., a prominent Rhode Island law firm.
Esteemed attorney known for integrity and hard work; mentored younger lawyers.

Public service:

Served in the Rhode Island House of Representatives representing Knightsville, Cranston (1967–1980), rising to Majority Leader.
Served 16 years as Rhode Island’s Democratic National Committeeman, participating in Democratic National Conventions and casting Electoral College votes in several presidential elections.
Notable appearances include a White House Rose Garden ceremony honoring Pope John Paul II and a state dinner honoring the Italian Prime Minister.
Trustee of the Rhode Island Foundation; involvement in assisting Rhode Islanders in need.
Longtime Providence College alumnus; 30 years on the President’s Counsel and 65 consecutive years of donations to Providence College.

Family and survivors:

Survived by wife Inge; children Susanne (and spouse Steven Tallarida), Edward Maggiacomo Jr. (and spouse Kristin), Stephen Maggiacomo (and spouse Maryellen); predeceased by son Michael.
Grandchildren and great-grandchildren listed, along with siblings and other relatives.

Additional biographical notes:

Predeceased by brothers Biagio and Joseph; sisters Assunta Iaciofano, Mary Grimaldi, and Gloria Zito.

Affected Parties

Primary: The Maggiacomo family and close associates.

Broader audience: Rhode Island residents recognizing Maggiacomo’s public service and legal career; the House of Representatives as the body rendering condolences.

Government communications: The Secretary of State is authorized to transmit certified copies of the resolution to listed family members (Susanne Tallarida, Edward Maggiacomo Jr., Stephen Maggiacomo, Inge Maggiacomo).

Procedural and Timeline Details

Introduction date: May 21, 2026.

Action: House read and passed the resolution on the same day (May 21, 2026).

Next steps: The resolution would typically be transmitted to the Secretary of State for distribution to the family and public record.

Practical Impact

Formal expression of respect and mourning from the Rhode Island House.

Serves as an official record of Maggiacomo’s contributions to law, public service, and community organizations.

No legislative changes or fiscal impacts are associated with this type of resolution; its effect is ceremonial and commemorative.