Deepest Condolences on the Passing of Catherine “Kitty” Petrarca

WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this House has learned of the passing of Catherine "Kitty" Petrarca. She was the beloved wife of the late Ralph A. "Happy" Petrarca, with whom she shared thirty-nine years of marriage until his passing in 1996. Kitty was also the loving mother of Natalie Kiernan and her husband Kevin, Vincent Petrarca and his husband John Krawchuk, and Anthony "Tony" Petrarca, Chief Meteorologist at WPRI-TV; and

WHEREAS, Raised with strong family values, Kitty was the cherished daughter of the late Louis and Natalie Santo and resided with her family in the East Natick section of Warwick before later making her home in Cranston, where she became known for her warmth, kindness, and devotion to family and community; and

WHEREAS, A woman of deep faith, Kitty was a longtime communicant of Sacred Heart Church. Together with her late husband, she served as co-chairperson of the Diocese of Providence’s Vision of Hope Campaign during the 1990s, helping to strengthen the mission and ministries of the Diocese; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Kitty was an active and dedicated member of the East Natick Vets Ladies Auxiliary for many years, contributing her time and energy in support of veterans and their families; and

WHEREAS, Above all else, Kitty treasured her family. Besides her children she also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Cailey Kiernan, Connor Kiernan, Olivia Venticinque and her husband Vincent, and Antonio Petrarca, each of whom brought immense joy to her life. She is also survived by her brother, Frank Santo, and was the sister of the late Josephine Silvia; and

WHEREAS, Kitty’s life was defined by faith, friendship, and an unwavering devotion to her loved ones. She found great joy in traveling through Europe and the Caribbean, and especially cherished the tradition of spending the Fourth of July week each year with family and friends at Lake Winnipesaukee; and

WHEREAS, The memory of Catherine "Kitty" Petrarca will live on through the many lives she touched with her generosity, grace, and love, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby expresses its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Catherine "Kitty" Petrarca; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Family of Catherine "Kitty" Petrarca.