Bill > H5805

This resolution expresses condolences on the passing of Judge Bruce M. Selya, a distinguished federal judge from Rhode Island who served on the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The resolution highlights Selya's remarkable career, noting he was the first Jewish person appointed to the federal bench in Rhode Island, graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University and Harvard Law School, and served as a federal judge after being nominated by Senator John Chafee and appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1982. The resolution celebrates his professional achievements, including authoring over 1,800 judicial opinions and being known for his playful writing style and extensive vocabulary, which led to the term "Selyaisms". It also acknowledges his community involvement, including serving on boards for various local institutions like the Jewish Federation of Rhode Island and Lifespan health system. The resolution formally expresses the Rhode Island House of Representatives' deepest sympathies to his family, praising Selya as a highly respected judge who served with fairness, justice, and integrity, and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to his wife Cynthia Selya and family.

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