2025 -- H 5057
========
LC000032
========
S T A T E O F R H O D E I S L A N D
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025
____________
H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE P ASSING OF JOSEPH A. GILMARTIN
Introduced By: Representatives Casimiro, Craven, Shekarchi, Blazejewski,
Chippendale, Kennedy, Ajello, Edwards, Cortvriend, and Ackerman
Date Introduced: January 15, 2025
Referred To: House read and passed
WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this House of Representatives has learned of the 1
passing of Joseph A. Gilmartin. He was the beloved husband of Mary Barden, who serves as the 2
Executive Director of the National Education Association of Rhode Island; and 3
WHEREAS, Joseph A. Gilmartin was born in Providence, the son of the late Joseph T. 4
Gilmartin, III, and Betty Lou Gilmartin. Mr. Gilmartin was a gifted history teacher with the North 5
Kingstown public schools and was widely admired by his students and their parents for his 6
passion for teaching history and making a positive difference in the lives of so many of his 7
students. His pupils left his classrooms more knowledgeable about the world they live in, how the 8
past shapes current and future events, and better prepared to be successful adults and to make 9
positive contributions to their communities and to succeed in life; and 10
WHEREAS, Joseph Gilmartin loved sports. He enjoyed playing baseball and was a 11
highly successful football, baseball, basketball and hockey coach at various North Kingstown 12
public schools and at Bishop Feehan High School. He was a very accomplished coach who 13
received numerous awards in recognition of his outstanding success as a coach, including several 14
Coach of the Year acknowledgements from multiple organizations; and 15
WHEREAS, Joseph Gilmartin's greatest success was as the head football coach at North 16
Kingstown High School, taking what once was a moribund program and turning it into one of 17
champions. Thanks to Coach Gilmartin, the Skippers compiled an outstanding 30-5 record in 18
league play from 2013 to 2017, and captured their first undisputed Division II Super Bowl 19
Championship in 2017. He retired from coaching in 2019 after winning an unpreceded three 20
LC000032 - Page 2 of 2
straight championship trophies; and 1
WHEREAS, Joseph Gilmartin was also an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed spending time 2
communing with nature and a devoted fisherman who enjoyed spending time fishing in both 3
Rhode Island and Alaska. He was also a member of the Rhode Island Shellfisherman's 4
Association; and 5
WHEREAS, In addition to his wife, Mary K. Barden, Mr. Gilmartin leaves behind his 6
children, Joseph, Theresa, and Benjamin Gilmartin. He was the beloved brother of Linda 7
Hancock, Judy Gilmartin, Robyn Gilmartin, and the late Patricia Ponte. He also leaves behind 8
numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and 9
WHEREAS, Joseph A. Gilmartin's passing is a tragic loss for his loving family, many 10
friends, and the North Kingstown community. He was a bright, shining light and a force for good 11
who made a positive difference in the lives of his students, many friends, and his loved ones, and 12
he will long live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew him; now, therefore be it 13
RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby 14
expresses condolences to the Gilmartin Family on the passing of Joseph A. Gilmartin; and be it 15
further 16
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to 17
transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Mary Barden, Joseph Gilmartin, Theresa 18
Gilmartin, and Benjamin Gilmartin. 19
========
LC000032
========