2023 -- H 6470
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LC003137
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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
EXTENDING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE P ASSING OF WILLIAM E.
MCKENNEY, III
Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Tanzi, Ajello,
Corvese, McNamara, Phillips, McGaw, and Felix
Date Introduced: June 01, 2023
Referred To: House read and passed
WHEREAS, It is with sadness that this House has learned of the passing of William 1
McKenney, III, the eldest son of the late Dr. William and Mary McKenney, and the brother of Dr. 2
Paul McKenney and his wife, Mary Ann, our friend and colleague, the Honorable Mark 3
McKenney, Esq. and his wife, Tricia, Maryjo Covey, RN, and her husband, Ron, and Ann Marie 4
DeMontigny and her husband, Richard; and 5
WHEREAS, In addition to his brothers and sisters, Mr. McKenney was the cherished 6
uncle of thirteen nieces and nephews and fourteen grand-nieces and nephews, as well as many, 7
many cousins and wonderful friends; and 8
WHEREAS, Mr. McKenney, known as “Bill” by his friends and family, was born in 9
Washington, D.C. and attended Park Elementary School, Lockwood Jr. High School, and after 10
moving to Rhode Island, graduated from Bishop Hendricken High School, where he was active in 11
the school’s performing arts programs. He continued his education, earning a Bachelor’s degree 12
in Music Education from Ithaca College, where he continued his involvement in the performing 13
arts as a member of the fraternity Kappa Gamma Psi; and 14
WHEREAS, From 1975 through 1980, Mr. McKenney served as Music Director at 15
Hendricken, where his leadership of the program earned the students and school wide acclaim 16
and numerous invitations to perform locally and at the 1977 Inauguration Parade in Washington, 17
D.C.; and 18
WHEREAS, In addition to his teaching, Mr. McKenney sang with the prestigious 19
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diocesan Peloquin Chorale, participated in numerous summer stock seasons at the popular 1
Matunuck Theatre-By-The-Sea, and played the leading role in the Prout-Hendricken alumni 2
production of 1776; and 3
WHEREAS, In 1980, Mr. McKenney returned to Washington, D.C., in order to complete 4
his Master’s degree in Musicology from Catholic University of America. He was employed at 5
Two Quail Restaurant on Capitol Hill, and later, at The Wine Specialist. His love of Italy and 6
wine became a central theme in his life, leading to his working as a wine consultant and 7
distributor in Washington and most recently, with Siema Wines in Springfield, Virginia; and 8
WHEREAS, Bill McKenney enjoyed and was blessed with a life filled with good friends 9
and family. He spent much of his time in altruistic endeavors and advocating for deserving 10
causes, and the most fitting tribute to his spirit is surely a celebration of his life, where each and 11
every day was lived fully and joyfully embraced. He will be dearly missed and forever 12
remembered; now, therefore be it 13
RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby 14
expresses deepest condolences on the passing of William McKenney, III; and be it further 15
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to 16
transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Dr. Paul McKenney and Family, the Honorable 17
Mark McKenney, Esq. and Family, Maryjo Covey, RN, and Family, and Ann Marie DeMontigny 18
and Family. 19
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