Sen. Frank Lombardo III, a Johnston Democrat whose legislative efforts aimed at making Rhode Island friendlier to the small business community, has died, the Rhode Island Senate announced Wednesday. He was 65 years old.
The cause was bladder cancer, the Senate confirmed in a statement. Despite his illness, Mr. Lombardo remained an active presence on Smith Hill, voting on the Senate floor until February 15th to approve executive appointments for the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation and the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority. approved.
Gov. Dan McKee ordered state flags to be flown at half-staff until Lombardo is remembered.
“Senator Lombardo was a dedicated and passionate leader who worked to make Rhode Island a better place for everyone,” McKee said. “His legacy will live on, and he will be deeply missed.”
accordIviolate state lawLombardo's seat is expected to be filled as part of regularly scheduled state elections this fall.
This is different from the process used to fill the vacancy left by former Sen. Maryellen Goodwin, who died in April 2023. Since fall 2023 is not a regular election year, a special election was held for Goodwin's seat.
In a statement, Senate President Dominic Ruggerio called Lombardo “one of the kindest and most generous people.”
“He was a passionate and effective representative of his constituents and exemplified the spirit of unity and service that all senators aspire to,” Ruggerio said. “Frank’s dignity and courage in the face of illness was an inspiration to us all.”
Lombardo, who was first elected in 2010, served six consecutive terms in the state Senate.he also headed Senate Housing and Local Government Committee. According to his biography in the Rhode Island General Assembly, he is a small business owner who owns his own HVAC company, Lombardo & Sons, and is an advocate for small businesses, as well as a Small Business Friendly Omnibus. He is known to have sponsored his 2018 package, eliminating licenses and fees. Website.
He also supported legislation to increase transparency in state tax credit programs, ban the sale of powdered alcohol, and establish a three-wheeled motorcycle licensing program.
Ruggerio, who described Lombardo as “full of energy and adventure,” said cross-country motorcycle trips were among several thrill-seeking pastimes, along with helicopter skiing.
“He never shied away from giving tough feedback or challenging your ideas,” Senate Majority Leader Ryan Pearson said in a statement. “That same spirit extends to his adventurous hobbies, which he has challenged and beaten on every ski mountain he can complete, with plenty of commentary on it.”
Lombardo and his wife Patricia had two children, Frank and Victoria. He graduated from Smithfield High School and the University of Rhode Island. He belonged to several trade associations and associations, including Rhode Island Builders, Associated Builders and Contractors, and was a member of the Refrigeration Services and Engineering Association.
House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi called Lombardo a “passionate advocate” for the Johnston community.
“A true gentleman, Sen. Lombardo treated everyone with respect and left a legacy of dedication and hard work on behalf of the people of Rhode Island,” Shekarshi said in a statement.
Rhode Island Democratic Party Chairwoman Liz Beretta Perik also released a statement Wednesday expressing her condolences.
“Frank dedicated his public service to increasing transparency and accountability in government,” Beretta-Perique said. “Frank’s legacy is marked by a strong commitment to his community and Democratic Party values.”
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