To the editor:

Some 50 years ago, a bachelorette party was held with invitations to employees of various modeling agencies. A young, exquisite, classy, beautiful lady joined them as a chaperone to ensure their invitation was professional and respectful.

She was satisfied. However, the inviter had eyes only for her. She was skeptical. An invitation for dinner was accepted and the rest is history. Her name is Kathy.

This gentleman, and that he was, later engrossed himself in the political arena and sought the office of congressmen. Due to a factual error, his filing did not meet the timely requirement. A door was opened for another individual. His replacement, Ron Makely, went onto victory and served the State of RI with distinction. Upon his voluntary departure, he was named, most likely because of his prior position as congressmen, President of Bryant College, and elevated that scholastic institution to excellence. If not for a simple filing error, Bryant College may not have ever been elevated to such a heightened esteem in the academic communities.

All was not lost by the unsuccessful candidate. Not having achieved his goal, did not deter our subject individual. He remained in politics and became chairman of his minority party. His proven eloquence and sociability and objective approach galvanized his acceptance to both parties. 

His unique ability to penetrate the veneer of individuals and to reduce them to whom they really are, became so unique that it transcended political inhibitions. His counsel was offered, if not asked, and sought by many, regardless of their position in industry or government.

Someone once asked him why he opened himself so quickly to those he met? His response: by letting others know who I am, they also let me know who they are.

His presence never reached a level of intolerance and became a magnetic characteristic that joined foes as friends with humor as its anecdote. The rooms he entered, whether at dinner or at a business meeting, elevated the surroundings of euphoria and turned to chagrin when he left. Politicians work a room; he was the room.

He passed away on August 9, 2023. He was not only everyone’s friend… He was mine.

His name is John.

Respectfully submitted,

Ronald J. Resmini, Esq.

Barrington