Senate President Ruggerio Issues Statement on Passing of Former Sen. Walaska

Senate President Ruggerio Issues Statement on Passing of Former Sen. Walaska

Senate president Dominick Ruggerio released the following statement Monday on the passing of former Senator William Walaska. 

Walaska passed away Monday morning after a battle with cancer. 

Read the Statement Below

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“I am deeply saddened to learn of the loss of my dear friend Bill Walaska. His impact on public policy will benefit Rhode Islanders for many generations to come, particularly in the areas of environmental protection, port development, and improving our economy. His personal story helped to change the law last year to ensure individuals facing terminal illness can try medications for off-label purposes.

All of us in the Senate will miss his warm smile, his sharp wit and, most of all, his friendship. Our thoughts and prayers are with Marsha, Leslie, Ann Marie, William Jr., and the entire Walaska family during this difficult time.”

About Walaska

Walaska represented District 30 in the Rhode Island Senate from 2003 to 2017, after having served consecutively from January 1995 until January 2003 in the District 17 seat.