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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Former Rhode Island Governor John Joseph Garrahy has died at the age of 81.
The following are statements that were sent to the Eyewitness News newsroom after the news broke.
The Garrahy Family
"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of former Governor J. Joseph Garrahy. He loved his family dearly and we were so proud to call him our husband, father and Poppy. He also loved the people of Rhode Island and worked tirelessly to improve the state and to provide assistance to those in need.
"We thank Rhode Islanders for their continued outpouring of fondness over the years. He was very grateful for their warmth and friendship and for the opportunity to serve them.
"Your prayers are greatly appreciated at this time."
Governor Lincoln Chafee
"I was shocked and saddened to learn this morning of the passing of former Governor J. Joseph Garrahy.
"Governor Garrahy truly had an undending love for the people of Rhode Island, and in return he earned the respect, admiration and affection of the people of this great state. He was a true gentleman, down-to-earth and lacking any pretense.
"Governor Garrahy had a gift for making progress quickly while managing to make as few waves as possible in the process. He was unassuming, but he delivered results.
"Many of us will always think of him in his famous flannel shirt, rising to the occasion to guide Rhode Island through the devastating Blizzard of '78.
"Much of Governor Garrahy's family still lives here and remains part of the fabric of our state. My thoughts and sympathy are with them during this difficult time. I hope that they are able to find some comfort- as so many Rhode Islanders will- in their many fine memories of him."
Former Gov. Lincoln Almond
“It was with great sadness that I learned today of Governor Garrahy’s passing. He was a real gentleman, a man of great integrity who served the people of Rhode island well with honor and grace. His friendly greetings will certainly be missed. My deepest condolences to his wife, Marguerite, and the entire Garrahy family.”
U.S . Sen. Jack Reed
"Rhode Island has lost a great statesman and we have all lost a great friend. Joe Garrahy combined courageous leadership, unimpeachable decency and a warm and embracing spirit. His example sustained us and inspired us, and it will continue to do so. My deepest condolences to his wife, Margherite , and his wonderful and loving family."
U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse
“Today Sandra’s and my thoughts and prayers are with Margherite and the entire Garrahy family. Governor Garrahy was a friend who was always very kind and supportive to me. I salute his legendary service to our state. We will never forget his ready smile, the famous plaid shirt, his ability to remember every name, and his long and loving marriage. At this time, we also remember his political battle companion and former chief of staff, Bill Dugan, who passed away on Monday. They made for a memorable team in Rhode Island history, and will both be greatly missed.”
U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin
“My thoughts and prayers go out to Governor Garrahy’s family at this difficult time.
“Governor Garrahy was a friend and mentor. He set the highest standards for public service and inspired others to try to live up those standards, myself included. Like so many Rhode Islanders, I remember his incredible leadership through numerous challenges, including the assurance he provided to us during the historic blizzard of 1978. He was truly in government for the right reasons. I will miss his friendship and advice, and join my fellow Rhode Islanders in expressing our gratitude for his commitment to serving others.”
U.S. Rep. David Cicilline
"Governor Garrahy first entered public service as a member of the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Of course, Rhode Islanders will always know him as the affable son of Providence who led our state decisively, especially during the Blizzard of '78. Governor Garrahy's legacy, established during the four terms he served as governor, will continue to live on in our memories. He was a beloved public servant who was respected and known for his integrity. Governor Garrahy's family is in my thoughts and prayers today."
Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts
"I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of former Governor J. Joseph Garrahy, a beloved leader who was deeply committed to our state and to all Rhode Islanders. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time. He will be greatly missed."
General Treasurer Gina Raimondo
"My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Garrahy family. He loved serving the people of Rhode Island, and they loved him in return for his gentle manner and confident leadership. I will never forget his tremendous kindness, friendship and wise counsel as I began my term as Rhode Island's General Treasurer."
Secretary of State Ralph Mollis
“This is sad day for the Garrahy family and for all Rhode Islanders. Governor Garrahy was a role model for us all. His commitment to public service continued on well after he left office. When those of us who followed in his footsteps sought his advice, he was generous with his time and wise with his counsel. He was a true friend.”
Attorney General Peter Kilmartin
“Rhode Island has lost a great leader and statesman. I was saddened to learn of the passing of former Governor J. Joseph Garrahy this morning. He was one of our most treasured and trusted public officials, and remained a role model for all throughout his life.
“I remember my first encounter with Governor Garrahy in the early 1970’s when he was Lieutenant Governor and attended a ceremony for my Boy Scout troop. His commitment to youth is a trait I try to emulate to this day.
“His steady and comforting presence helped all Rhode Islanders get through the Blizzard of ’78. It was in large part through his persistence that Rhode Island was declared a federal disaster after the storm. Although Governor Garrahy will always be most remembered as a beloved statesman, he will also be remembered as one who lived the American Dream, starting out as a Narragansett beer salesman, rising through the ranks politically to governor, and then becoming a skilled businessman. His acumen and expertise was consistently sought by others.
“Governor Garrahy was a true statesman, gentleman and family man, and will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Margherite, their five children, and their entire family.”
Speaker of the House Gordon Fox
"I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Governor Garrahy, who will always be remembered for his even-handed and steady leadership at the helm of our state. I considered him one of the true elder statesmen of the Democratic Party who inspired us in the next generation to carry on his legacy of honesty, hard work and dedication to the people of Rhode Island. I was very fond of the way he always made himself available to me and others in the General Assembly to provide us with advice and guidance."
Sen. President M. Teresa Paiva Weed
“Governor Garrahy, a former state Senator who presided over the chamber during his tenure as Lieutenant Governor, is a true Rhode Island legend whose leadership I remember fondly and vividly to this day. His portrait in the Senate Lounge reminds me daily of the dedicated service which has made him a part of the tapestry of Rhode Island government. His calm and steady stewardship during often tumultuous times helped to strengthen our state and endear him in the hearts of generations of Rhode Islanders. The thoughts and prayers of the Rhode Island Senate are with Mrs. Garrahy and the entire Garrahy family during this difficult time.”
Providence Mayor Angel Taveras
"I was very saddened to learn of the passing of Governor Joseph Garrahy. Governor Garrahy was a man of great intelligence, compassion and commitment to public service. He cared deeply about Rhode Island and all of its residents, and will always be remembered as one of Rhode Island’s most respected and admired governors.
"The last time I met with Governor Garrahy in December, I told him how much I had learned from him – especially his leadership during the Blizzard of ’78 wearing his famous plaid shirt.
"I offer Governor Garrahy’s family my sincere condolences. He will be greatly missed by me and many whose lives he touched.
"I have ordered that all City flags be flown at half-staff to honor the memory of Governor Garrahy."
Former State Police Col. Brendan Doherty
"I began my career with the Rhode Island State Police under Governor Garrahy and have been fortunate to develop a lasting friendship with him over the years. I am proud to have had Governor Garrahy as a mentor. We were together last week in Florida and as usual, the best advice he gave me was not about politics, but the importance of family, values and humanity. Rhode Island has lost a great statesman."
Charles J. Fogarty, Department of Labor & Training Director and Former Lt. Governor
"I was stunned and saddened today to learn of the passing of my close friend and mentor, former Governor Joe Garrahy. Outside of my parents, no person has had a greater and more lasting influence on my public service career.
"Joe Garrahy was my first boss. I had the privelige of serving as his senate page when he was lieutenant governor, and later as a policy aide when he served as governor. Personally, I will always remember Governor Garrahy for his honesty, humility, humor and great inner strength, and I am certain that all Rhode Islanders will remember him for touching so many lives while making our state a better place.
"My heart goes out to his wife, Marguerite, and to all his children and grandchildren on the loss of this wonderful man."
The Catholic Diocese of Providence
"The Diocese of Providence would like to extend its sympathies and prayers to Mrs. Garrahy and members of the Garrahy family. We applaud the outstanding and dedicated service Governor Garrahy extended to the State of Rhode during his time as Governor. He was an exemplary example of a faithful and involved Catholic who made a significant contribution to his parish and the Diocesan Church.
"May Governor Garrahy’s soul rest in the peace of God.
Ed Pacheco, Chairman of the Rhode Island Democratic Party
"My heartfelt condolences go out to the Garrahy family. As Rhode Islanders, we mourn the loss of our 69th governor - an icon in the State of Rhode Island, a true and dedicated public servant. A state senator, deputy majority leader, lieutenant governor, governor and Democratic Party chairman, Garrahy's stewardship serves as a model and his leadership had a tremendous impact on our state.
The younger generations, like me, only remember him for guiding Rhode Islanders through the Blizzard of '78, but that steadfast, compassionate leadership was emblematic of the confident strength that he delivered to Rhode Islanders for decades. Governor Garrahy was and shall remain part of the fabric of the Ocean State."
The Providence City Council
Council President Michael A. Solomon and Council President Pro Tempore Terrence M. Hassett expressed their deep sympathy to the family of former Rhode Island Governor J. Joseph Garrahy, who passed away on January 24.
Solomon said that he fondly remembers meeting Governor Garrahy, when his father, Anthony J. Solomon, was serving his first term as General Treasurer. "Governor Garrahy was a personal friend of my father's, and over time I got to know both him and his family, as well as his trademark qualities. He was an exceptionally hard worker, he was honest, and he was committed to doing what was best for Rhode Island. Above all, he was a true gentleman. Governor Garrahy was among the most highly-regarded statesmen in Rhode Island. He will be missed by all who knew him."
Hassett also recalled meeting Governor Garrahy at a young age. "He was a family friend, and he grew up on Esten Street, which is in the ward I know represent." Hassett said that he got to know Governor Garrahy well when Garrahy served as Lieutenant Governor. "I was always impressed with his kindness and sincerity; he took the time to listen, and respond with thoughtfulness, whether he was interacting with constituents or fellow elected officials. He was indeed a great communicator." Hassett said that he was "honored" when Governor Garrahy appointed him to the Rhode Island Board of Regents for Education, making Hassett the youngest person, at age 21, ever to hold that position. "His confidence in me was humbling, and as a young man, his example of leadership inspired me to continue my path in public service." Hassett added that "Governor Garrahy knew how to make difficult decisions, but he was always forward-thinking, always looking toward new opportunities to make Rhode Island great. He will be sorely missed."
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