Inductees from 1988

Marion F. Avarista
Categories: Civic Leaders, Medicine & Health Care, Women

Ms. Marion Avarista was founder of the Traveler's Aid Runaway Youth Project and developer of the Travelers Aid Medical Van providing free service for the homeless in Providence. A Cranston resident, she is one of those most responsible for the growth and development of the Traveler's Aid Society in RI and is a very active civic and community leader. Read more >
Nelly Ayvasian
Categories: Civic Leaders

Mr. Nelly Ayvasian is the retired Executive Director of the International Institute of Rhode Island. Born in the Soviet Union, and severely wounded during World War II, he was imprisoned in a German labor camp before coming to live in Warwick, RI. He joined the Institute staff in 1959 and over the years helped thousands of immigrants with housing and employment, English lessons, and citizenship classes. Read more >
Arlan R. Coolidge (1902-1993)
Categories: Artists & Painters, Education & Universities, Music (Singers, Composers)
Mr. Arlan Coolidge, a Providence resident, was an internationally renowned violinist and a graduate of Brown University. He and served as Chairman of Brown's Department of Music for thirty-one years, served as Executive Director of the Arts Rhode Island, and as Chairman of several Governor's Commissions on fine arts. He was also involved with the National Council of Arts in Education. Read more >
Thomas E. Eccleston (1910-2001)
Categories: Education & Universities, Sports - Basketball, Sports - Football, Sports - Hockey
Thomas Eccleston was a famed Rhode Island educational administrator, teacher, and coach, whose Burrillville teams won several state titles in baseball, football, and hockey. He continued on as a hockey coach, becoming what was believed to be the oldest high school coach in the United States. A former Principal and Superintendent in Burrillville, he was also a successful coach at Providence College. Read more >
Joseph Gomes (1910-1986)
Categories: African Americans, Sports - Baseball, Sports - Football, Sports - Golf
Joseph Gomes was the only Rhode Islander to play baseball in the Negro Major Baseball League, and was named an all-star in each of the seven years he played. He compiled a 362-41 pitching record, with a 1.74 earned-run-average in the Majors. He was an extraordinary athlete as a Rhode Island schoolboy all-stater in baseball, golf, and football. Read more >
Raymond Hood (1881-1934)
Categories: Architects & Designers
Raymond Hood was a pioneer architect in American modern architecture. Born in Pawtucket, he attended Brown University before enrolling at MIT, later becoming internationally recognized for his skyscraper designs. Among the buildings for which he was architect are the Rockefeller Center, McGraw-Hill, the Hotel Dupont, and most of the structures at the University of Brussels. Read more >
Domina C. Jalbert (1904-1991)
Categories: Inventors & Inventions, Sports - Other
Mr. Domina Jalbert was a world renowned researcher and inventor of parachutes, sails, and kites. He was born in Quebec but lived for many years in Woonsocket, RI. He was the designer of the Dolly Spinnaker for the yacht Stars & Stripes, which won the 1987 America's Cup. Read more >
Francis J. McCabe
Categories: Education & Universities, Government & Politics
Judge Francis McCabe was the First Chief Judge of Rhode Island Family Court. Born in Providence, he attended Hope High School and Providence College. He later became Providence City Solicitor, a probate judge, and Chief Judge of the former Juvenile Court. He was an acknowledged expert on the rehabilitation and understanding of the juvenile offender and a staunch protector of children. Read more >
George L. Sutcliffe (1924-2011)
Categories: Civic Leaders, Military
George Sutcliffe was a WWII flying ace whose heroic exploits as a fighter pilot have been chronicled in several books, as he flew eighty missions as a highly decorated war hero. He was Founder and owner of a very successful and nationally recognized insurance firm in Smithfeild, RI, was active in the Big Brothers Association, and as a civic and cultural leader. Read more >

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Inductees from 1988

Marion F. Avarista

Nelly Ayvasian

Arlan R. Coolidge (1902-1993)

Thomas E. Eccleston (1910-2001)

Joseph Gomes (1910-1986)

Raymond Hood (1881-1934)

Domina C. Jalbert (1904-1991)

Francis J. McCabe

George L. Sutcliffe (1924-2011)

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