House Honors 103-Year-Old Doorman

House Honors 103-Year-Old Doorman

It was the end of an era—actually several of them.

The Rhode Island House yesterday honored 103-year-old Frank DiPaolo on the occasion of his retirement as the official doorkeeper. DiPaolo, whom lawmakers described as a beloved and legendary figure, has seen 15 gubernatorial and 30 General Assembly elections in his 32 years at the State House

And yesterday, those who paid tribute to his service read like a who’s who of Rhode Island politics—Congressman Patrick Kennedy, Gov. Don Carcieri, House Speaker Gordon Fox, and Secretary of State Ralph Mollis.

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DiPaolo banged the gavel at the start of the session last night and was named the honorary Speaker of the House.

Kennedy, in particular, described DiPaolo as a mentor and long-time friend, saying he had become like an adopted son. He credited DiPaolo with helping him to get his start in Rhode Island politics, as a state rep candidate in 1988.

“Being Frank DiPaolo’s third son gave me more street cred—especially for a PC student from Massachusetts—than being a Kennedy from Hyannis Port,” Kennedy said. “Not only did being Frank DiPaolo’s third son get me elected, but being Frank DiPaolo’s friend introduced me to Rhode Island.”