Deepest Condolences on the Passing of the Honorable Richard Serra

WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that we have learned of the passing of the Honorable Richard "Rippy" Serra of Charlestown. He was the beloved husband of Camelia Serra; and

WHEREAS, Richard Serra was born in Westerly, the son of the late Barbara and Matthew Serra. Mr. Serra was a highly respected and very successful businessman who was the owner of Rippy's Liquor and Marketplace for more than forty years; and

WHEREAS, He was also a devoted and dedicated public servant who served with distinction and honor as a member of the Charlestown Town Council. He served his constituents and the people of Charlestown with passion and abiding integrity. He always impressed his colleagues with his knowledge of the issues before them and his leadership skills. Before retiring from the Town Council, Mr. Serra had risen to the position of Vice President of the Charlestown Town Council; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Serra was also a man of deep faith and was a member of the Groton Bible Chapel. He was a devoted family man who strove daily to provide for his family and loved ones. In his free time, he was a passionate lover of all things railroad and train-related; and

WHEREAS, Richard Serra leaves behind his beloved wife, Camelia, and his four children, Bryan Serra, and his wife, Haley, Richard Serra II, Nathan Serra and his wife, Linny, and Rachel Serra as well as his four siblings, Mathew Serra, Jr., Mark Serra, Suann Serra and Jean Shields. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Maisie, Easton and Isla Serra, as well as several nieces and nephews, and his many friends; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby expresses its deepest condolences to the Serra Family on the passing of the Honorable Richard Serra; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Camelia Serra and Family.