2023 -- H 5407
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LC001421
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S TATE OF RHODE IS LAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF DENNIS JOSEPH TENTE
Introduced By: Representatives Fogarty, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Tanzi,
Handy, McEntee, Knight, Cortvriend, and Casimiro
Date Introduced: February 07, 2023
Referred To: House read and passed
WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this House has learned of the passing of Dennis 1
Joseph Tente, a beloved husband, father, brother, and good friend of many folks; and 2
WHEREAS, Mr. Tente was born in Pawtucket, the son of Palmeda and Antonio Tente. 3
Growing up, he always had fond memories of playing baseball at El Gasco Field. He attended St. 4
Raphael Academy and earned a full ROTC scholarship to attend the University of Nebraska, 5
where he graduated with a Business degree. After graduation, he served our nation with honor 6
and integrity as a member of the United States Navy, where he cruised to ports across the globe 7
and took part in an attempt to intercept a Russian Submarine near the Arctic Circle, and earned 8
his Blue Nose Certificate as a result. He retired from the United States Navy Reserves with the 9
rank of Captain; and 10
WHEREAS, Mr. Tente later attended the University of Nebraska Law School, and 11
eventually moved back to Rhode Island, where he met the love of his life, Jo-Ann Dolan. They 12
married two years later and together raised three children; and 13
WHEREAS, After practicing law as an Associate, Mr. Tente opened his own law practice 14
in 1980, with his longtime partner, Mr. John Colletti joining a year later, where they had a 15
thriving law practice for many years; and 16
WHEREAS, Mr. Tente was a lifelong sports enthusiast, who particularly loved the New 17
England Patriots and, as a season ticket holder, enjoyed attending football games in Foxborough 18
with his wife, children and friends. Most importantly, he was a devoted husband, father, son and 19
brother who always put his family first in his life; and 20
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WHEREAS, In addition to his wife, Jo-Ann, Mr. Tente leaves behind his children, Jillian, 1
Matthew and Jeffrey and their spouses, Michael Smith, Jenna Doolittle and Kaitlin Tente, and his 2
grandchildren, Landon and Reagan Smith. He is also survived by his sister, Irene, along with 3
members of the Daniels, Smith, and Dolan families; now, therefore be it 4
RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby 5
expresses its deepest sympathies to the Tente Family on the passing of Dennis Joseph Tente; and 6
be it further 7
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to 8
transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Jo-Ann Tente and Family. 9
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