Inductees from 2016

Dr Jay S Goodman (1940-2015)
Categories: Government & Politics
Dr. Jay Goodman was a brilliant scholar, an inspiring teacher, a meticulous attorney, and the intellectual power behind the throne for two generations of Rhode Island Democratic political leaders. Jay was born in St. Louis, Missouri on January 16, 1940, the son of attorneys Harold and Minnie Goodman. Read more >
Bradford Gorham (1935-2015)
Categories: Government & Politics, Philanthropists
Some individuals — very few in number — stand out from all others because of their outstanding talents and abilities. In this respect one thinks of athletes or entertainers. It is more rare, however, that a person stands above the crowd because of such qualities as integrity, earnestness, and demeanor. Brad Gorham was such a man. Read more >
Galway Kinnell (1927-2014)
Categories: Literature / Writers / Newspapers
Born in Providence, Rhode Island on February 1, 1927 to Irish immigrant parents, Galway Kinnell said that his readings as a youth of Edgar Allan Poe and Emily Dickinson inspired him to embrace poetry. Galway, a self-described introvert, was drawn to both by the musical appeal of their poetry and the idea that they led solitary lives. The allure of the language spoke to what he describes as the “homogeneous feel of his hometown, Pawtucket, Rhode Island.” Kinnell studied at Princeton University, graduating in 1948. Read more >
Dr Pauline Maier (1938-2013)
Categories: Literature / Writers / Newspapers
Professor Pauline Maier,like the great 19th century American historian George Bancroft and writers Julia Ward Howe, Edward Everett Hale, Owen Wister, and Clement Clarke Moore, was a long-time summer resident of Rhode Island. Little Compton was her retreat. She now joins these luminaries and fellow authors in the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame. Pauline was born in 1938 as Pauline Rubbelke in St. Read more >
John F McBurney, Jr (1925-2015)
Categories: Labor / Unions, Military, Philanthropists
John F. McBumey, Jr., a member of Americas “Greatest Generation,” compiled a remarkable career as a highly- decorated war hero, collegiate and professional baseball star, teacher, influential state senator from Pawtucket, and prominent trial attorney. John was born in Pawtucket in 1925 and raised in nearby Attleboro. Read more >
William Dewitt Metz, Dr (1914-2013)
Categories: Education & Universities, Historians/Historical Accounts, Preservation, Philanthropists
William DeWitt Metz was born in Buffalo, New York on June 13, 1914 to William J. and Minerva (Lamphear) Metz and was raised in the village of Perry, New York, about 50 miles east of Buffalo. Metz prepared for college at Dexter High School in Maine and graduated from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine in 1937. He subsequently earned his Ph. Read more >
Alfred V Morro (1920-2005)
Categories: Education & Universities, Sports - Track and Field
Without exaggeration one can safely state that Al Morro, teacher, coach, and athletic director at Classical High School, gained more fame and recognition than any other faculty member at that nationally-renowned educational institution — and that fame is well-deserved. Born in New York in 1920, a son of Carmelo and Anna (Morgera) Morro, Al came to Providence where he attended Central High School and set the state high school record in the discus throw. His prowess in the field events and in football earned him a scholarship to Boston College where he starred on the 1942 Eagles team that was edged by Alabama in the 1943 Orange Bowl. While at Boston College he qualified in the discus for the 1940 U. Read more >
Leonard J Pannaggio (1919-2012)
Categories: Econonomics / Theory, Education & Universities, Founders of Rhode Island, Historians/Historical Accounts, Preservation
Leonard J. Panaggio of Newport was one of Rhode Islands all-time leaders in the promotion of tourism to the Ocean State. Few, if any, before or since, have done as much to promote Rhode Island, and especially Newport, as a tourist destination. Len worked so diligently in the tourism field not only because of his love for the history of Rhode Island, as expressed in his writings, but because he recognized tourism as an industry that could promote the Rhode Island economy. Read more >
Ralph Papitto
Categories: Business / Entrepreneurs, Education & Universities
Success is defined as the accomplishment of an aim or a purpose. No one exemplifies success more than Ralph Papitto. Mr. Papitto has earned and enjoyed many successes in his life. Read more >
Dr. Piyush Patel (1952-)
Categories: Business / Entrepreneurs
Piyush Patel has strong Rhode Island roots, dating back more than thirty years when he purchased two hotels in the Town of Narragansett--The Village Inn and Atlantic House.
Investing in Rhode Island real estate is nothing new for this entrepreneur. He spent millions converting Cranston's Park Theater into a Class A event center, rivaling any of the great theaters in Boston and Manhattan. He has created numerous jobs in Rhode Island as he brings top rated shows, such as “The Kingston Trio,” to the Park Theater. Read more >
James T. Patterson (1935-)
Categories: Historians/Historical Accounts, Preservation, Literature / Writers / Newspapers
James T. Patterson is one of the most distinguished historians of modern America. He was born in 1935 and attended the Hotchkiss School in Connecticut, graduating in 1952. Following a year at Christ's Hospital School in England, he attended Williams College where he majored in history, graduating in 1957. Read more >
Patricia R. Recupero, JD, MD
Categories: Law / Legal Pioneers
Dr. Patricia Recupero, a resident of Providence, has dedicated her life advocating for the mentally ill. Following her graduation from the State University of New York with a degree in mathematics, she attended Boston College Law School, receiving her degree in 1973. After a few years practicing law and driven by her desire to help people, she enrolled at the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University. Read more >
Arthur S. Robbins (1932-)
Categories: Architects & Designers, Econonomics / Theory, Medicine & Health Care
Arthur Robbins is widely known as a highly creative, intelligent, skillful, and successful hotel developer. He is also recognized by all for his generous, caring, and humanitarian spirit.
Born in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1932, Arthur grew up and went to school in Woonsocket and then at Wilbraham and Monson Academy. He received a BA in Economics in 1954 from the Wharton School/University of Pennsylvania and served for two years as a lieutenant in the U. Read more >
Michael A, Tamburro (1952-)
Categories: Sports - Baseball
Michael A. Tamburro, was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on February 13, 1952, the son of Michael and Josephine Tamburro. Mike pursued a double major (Business and Journalism) at U. Mass Amherst with the goal of becoming a baseball statistician. Read more >
Dr. Betty R. Vohr
Categories: Literature / Writers / Newspapers, Medicine & Health Care
Dr. Betty Vohr obtained her bachelor's degree from Adelphi University in 1962 and her medical degree from Albany Medical College in 1966. She then came to Rhode Island in order to pursue her post-graduate training in pediatrics at Rhode Island Hospital. She completed her internship in 1967, her residency in 1968, and her fellowship in Neonatology in 1970. Read more >
Richard J Walton (1928-2012)
Categories: Government & Politics, Historians/Historical Accounts, Preservation, Literature / Writers / Newspapers
Richard J. Walton was a versatile man with a variety of activities and achievements. Among his many roles were journalist, radio talk show host, historian of American foreign policy, professor of political science, union leader, social activist, and one-time third party candidate for vice president. Richard was born on May 28, 1928 in Saratoga Springs, New York, but moved to Providence with his family as a child. Read more >