2025 -- H 6021
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LC002319
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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
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE P ASSING OF DAVID DEPETRILLO, THE
DISTINGUISHED LONGTIME RHODE ISLAND STATE TOURISM DIRECTOR AND
CHAIRMAN OF THE RHOD E ISLAND HOSPITALITY EDUCATION FOUNDATIO N
Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Solomon, Chippendale,
Casimiro, Casey, Kennedy, Ajello, Fellela, and Cruz
Date Introduced: March 04, 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 Mr. David DePetrillo, a distinguished and beloved public servant and fixture within the 2
Rhode Island tourism and hospitality community for decades; and 3
WHEREAS, David DePetrillo was the son of the late Frank and Fatima DePetrillo. He 4
was a 1968 graduate of Rhode Island College and later attained a Master's Degree in Business 5
Administration from the University of Connecticut. Mr. DePetrillo was a loyal and proud 6
alumnus who served for many years on the RIC Foundation Board; and 7
WHEREAS, David DePetrillo served with distinction as the State of Rhode Island 8
Tourism Director for 25 years from 1983 to 2008, serving under five consecutive Governors. 9
Thanks to Mr. DePetrillo’s outstanding guidance and tireless work ethic, the Rhode Island 10
hospitality industry became a cornerstone of the Rhode Island economy, growing into one of 11
Rhode Island’s largest employers and revenue producers; and 12
WHEREAS, Under Mr. DePetrillo’s innovative leadership, he pioneered the use of new 13
technologies to expand Rhode Island tourism and created one of the first tourism websites in the 14
nation. Thanks to Mr. DePetrillo’s efforts, Rhode Island earned a national and international 15
reputation for its outstanding and distinctive tourism marketing efforts. David DePetrillo was 16
widely admired by his peers across the nation and was universally recognized as being the Dean 17
of State Tourism Directors. Mr. DePetrillo is perhaps best known for the State’s famous “Biggest 18
Little State in the Union” campaign. He also served as the Chairman of the Rhode Island 19
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Hospitality Education Foundation for many years, was a founding member of the Rhode Island 1
Geotourism Collaborative, served on the Board of Travel Industry Association, and was an 2
influential member and former Chairman of the National Council of State Tourism Directors; and 3
WHEREAS, Director DePetrillo also supported a wide array of philanthropic 4
organizations and donated his time, experience, knowledge, and vast leadership skills to help 5
them achieve their goals. He was a member and former President of the Providence Art Club, and 6
most recently chaired its Entertainment Committee and enthusiastically supported and showcased 7
the work of talented artists. Mr. DePetrillo also served as a Flag Secretary for the Rhode Island 8
Commodores, a nonprofit group of civil leaders founded to promote Rhode Island as being an 9
excellent place in which to work, live, vacation and thrive; and 10
WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Mr. DePetrillo received numerous awards and 11
commendations in recognition of his extraordinary work throughout his career including the 12
esteemed State Tourism Director of the Year Award, the Governor’s Tourism Award, and 13
induction into the Providence Visitors and Convention Bureau Hall of Fame. Mr. DePetrillo also 14
had the high honor of being named Yankee Magazine’s New England Tourism Person of the 15
Year; and 16
WHEREAS, David DePetrillo was the beloved husband of Jean DePetrillo, and leaves 17
behind his siblings, Frank DePetrillo, Thomas DePetrillo and his wife, Carol Keefe, Lawrence 18
DePetrillo and his wife, Nancy, Carol Goulet and her husband, Stephen, Linda DePetrillo and her 19
husband, Mowry, Judith Stracaluzi and her husband, Donald, and Paul DePetrillo and his wife, 20
LuAnne. He also leaves behind many adored nieces and nephews. Mr. DePetrillo was 21
predeceased by his siblings, Nicholas DePetrillo, Anthony DePetrillo and Eleanor Chadronet; 22
now, therefore be it 23
RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby 24
expresses its deepest condolences to the DePetrillo Family on the passing of David DePetrillo; 25
and be it further 26
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to 27
transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mrs. Jean DePetrillo and Family. 28
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LC002319
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