Inductees from 1983

 
  1. Thomas Carney (1927-2016)

    Categories: Civic Leaders, Labor / Unions

    Thomas Carney, 1927-2016, was the legendary hero of the highways known as "Blue Max". He is credited with saving countless lives and helping hundreds of accident victims in his 28 years as a big rig, nationwide truckdriver. He has been called "the truckdriver's greatest hero". After retiring and living in Seekonk, MA, he was honored by the City of East Providence for his work with youth and heroic acts he had performed for fire victims. Read more >

  2. Al Conte (1930-2005)

    Categories: Music (Singers, Composers)

    Al Conte, 1930-2005, was a pianist and arranger, and one-time conductor of the late Guy Lombardo's Royal Canadians for twenty-three years. This native of Providence was discovered by the famed Lombardo while performing at the Biltmore Hotel in 1954. He became one of the most accomplished and celebrated piano artists of our time. He became known as “the fifth Lombardo Brother," playing in all of the famed orchestra leader's New Year's Eve show's. Read more >

  3. Katharine Gibbs (1863-1934)

    Categories: Education & Universities, Women

    Katharine Gibbs, 1863-1934, was the founder of the famed schools of business which bears her name. A resident of Edgewood area of Providence, she revolutionized stenography in 1911 with tenacity and vision that brought her to the forefront of American education. Today, thousands of Katherine Gibbs graduates, representing generations of Americans, owe their success to her foresight and imagination. The first of seven schools was originally opened in Providence. Read more >

  4. Dr. John Knauss

    Dr. John Knauss (1925-2015)

    Categories: Education & Universities, Technology & Science

    Dr. John Knauss, 1925-2015, was among the world's foremost oceanographers. He served as Dean of the University of Rhode Island's famed Graduate School of Oceanography and Vice President for Marine Affairs. A key participant in the creation of the United States highly successful Sea Grant Program, this Saunderstown, RI, resident served as Chairman of the National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere, and had developed one of the strongest marine programs in the world here in Rhode Island. Read more >

  5. Dr. Harry Kroll

    Categories: Inventors & Inventions, Technology & Science

    Dr. Harry Kroll worked as one of the world's leading scientist and research chemists. He holds fifty-one world patents issued by the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Germany, and France. As senior scientist for Technic, Inc. Read more >

  6. Bishop Russell J. McVinney (1898-1971)

    Categories: Religion & Churches

    Bishop Russell J. McVinney, 1898-1971, the first native Ordinary of the Diocese of Providence, was born in Warren. Among his outstanding accomplishments during twenty-three years as Bishop were the establishment of the Catholic Charity Fund Appeal, strong support for fair housing legislation, an the establishment of a Diocesan Priests' Senate. He was appointed an assistant to the Papal Throne by Pope Pious XII in 1957. Read more >

  7. Dr. Blas Moreno (1928-2011)

    Categories: Medicine & Health Care, Military, Philanthropists

    Dr. Blas Moreno, 1928-2011, became a resident of Rhode Island after emigrating from Cuba in 1954. He fashioned a distinguished career as a leading physician, community leader, and philanthropist, and has been at the forefront of developing medical care programs for the National Guard of the United States, serving as the State Air Surgeon for Rhode Island beginning in 1977. Read more >

  8. Ambrose "Amby" Smith (1917-2005)

    Categories: Civic Leaders, Literature / Writers / Newspapers

    Ambrose Smith, 1917-2005, was a sports editor and Vice President of the Pawtucket Valley Daily Times, for which he served for forty-two years. He was a founder and officer of both Words Unlimited and the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame. He was also a past President of the Providence Gridiron Club. A native of West Warwick, RI, he served his community and state for many years as a leading exponent of youth programs. Read more >

 

 

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