Deepest Condolences on the Passing of Charles J. Laranjo

WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this Senate has learned of the passing of Mr. Charles J. Laranjo, a lifelong resident of Newport. He was predeceased by his parents, Jose and Maria Laranjo, and his sisters, Helen Souza and Mary Williams and his wife, Margaret Ann Laranjo; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Laranjo graduated from Rogers High School in 1953, where he excelled academically and received Rhode Island State and National Honor Society Awards. He also served in the ROTC program from 1951 to 1953. After graduating from high school, Mr. Laranjo worked for William T. Manning and served in the Rhode Island National Guard; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Laranjo went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from Central Connecticut State University in 1959, and later obtained a Master’s Degree in Education from Bridgewater State University in 1964. Mr. Laranjo then embarked on a long and distinguished career as an educator, teaching Industrial Arts at Thompson Junior High School until his retirement in 1990. Mr. Laranjo was listed in “Who’s Who in American College and Universities,” served as past President of the Industrial Arts Education Club, and was a member of Kappa Delta Pi Fraternity, the Photography Club, the Radio Club, and the National and Connecticut Education Associations. Mr. Laranjo also assisted instructors in teaching ceramics at Salve Regina University; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Laranjo lived a life that was devoted to civic and community service. Always proud of his Portuguese heritage, he served as both the Treasurer and President of the Portuguese American Federation, was a member of the Vasco Da Gama Holy Ghost Society, General Rosecrans Assembly, th Degree Knights of Columbus, Faithful Navigator, and the Newport Council of the Knights of Columbus, serving as the Grand Knight. He also served with the Portuguese Discovery Monument Foundation as a Committee member; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Laranjo also was a member of the Newport Sports Car Club, Kiwanis Club, Boy Scouts of America, the U.S. Power Squadron, and the NEA Retired Program; and

WHEREAS, Sailing played a big part of Mr. Laranjo’s life. He was a Life Member of the Newport Yacht Club, where he met his first wife, Helen Marie, mother to his daughter Wendy. Mr. Laranjo was a Past Commodore and during his tenure he led the club through its first expansion. Mr. Laranjo will be long remembered for starting the Junior Sail program and Ensign Fleet 5. He also served as a member of the Newport Yacht Club’s House Committee, Junior Activities Committee and the Frost Bite Committee. He will also be long remembered for his many achievements in racing his Ensign Fleet 4 Burgee in the Ensign Nationals and local races, along with his many years of hosting the annual Yacht Club Clam Bakes; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Laranjo served on the Newport Waterfront Commission, where he was instrumental in securing resident parking at Kings Park and returning the Washington Street Extension to the Newport City rolls. He served as a member of the Friends of the Waterfront, and the Elks Club of Newport Chapter 104 and received a Certificate of Accomplishment from Senator Jack Reed for his 30 years of dedication to the Newport Democratic City Committee, where he held the title of Chairman, and

WHEREAS, Charles J. Laranjo was a devout Catholic his entire life. He was baptized, received his First Holy Communion and Confirmation at Jesus Savior Church, and was a member of Jesus Savior Holy Name Society for over 45 years. He was a dedicated supporter and volunteer for the Annual Bazaar and Holy Ghost Feast. In 2007, Mr. Laranjo was honored as Man of the Year by the Holy Name Society. In his later years, he attended Mass at St. Lucy’s Parish in Middletown; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Laranjo is survived by his daughter, Wendy Laranjo, his siblings, Theresa Lacerda, Rose Northup, Ann Zerbus, and his lifelong friend, Harold Perlingiero; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby expresses its deepest condolences to the Laranjo Family on the passing of Charles J. Laranjo; 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 Charles J. Laranjo.