NEW: 9 Rhode Islanders to Enter RI Heritage Hall of Fame

Wednesday, June 08, 2011

GoLocalProv Features Team

Rhode Island will add nine citizens to its most honored list on June 17.

Patrick Conley, president of the board of the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame, announced the names of those Rhode Islanders who will join such esteemed company as Roger Williams in a Hall of Fame listing that will be celebrated in the planned Heritage Harbor Museum in Providence.

This year's inductees will be feted at a ceremony at the Providence Marriott Downtown at 6pm on June 17. Conley said the Hall of Fame was established in 1965 to honor individulas "who have brought credit to Rhode Island, brought Rhode Island to prominence, and contributed to the history and heritage of the state."

Joining the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame:

Vincent J. "Vin" Di Bona An entertainment pioneer from Cranston, Di Bona created two of America's most popular TV shows, "America's Funniest Home Videos" and "Entertainment Tonight." Di Bona has won four Emmy awards.

The late Governor Christopher Del Sesto Governor of Rhode Island from 1959 to 1961 and was involved in the federal interstate highway project in Rhode Island. Del Sesto also served in World War II, and was a lawyer, certified public accountant and a Superior Court judge.

The late Robert E. "Bobby" Doyle An all-American collegiate cross-country runner and world-class marathoner who won the Ocean State Marathon seven times. Doyle was involved in fundraising and coached track as well.

Barnaby Evans The photographer and multi-media artist created and serves as the artistic director of WaterFire Providence, the world-renowned communal art installation.

The late Edward J. "Rip" Higgins Principal adviser to Governor and Senator Theodore Francis Green for 40 years, this Warren native was referred to by President Lyndon Johnson as "Rhode Island's third US Senator."

Maury Klein, Three-time Pulitzer Prize nominee, the former history professor of 42 years at URI is the author of 16 books. The South Kingstown resident also competes as a senior athlete.

Bruce R. Lang The founding chairman of Operation Clean Government, the Newport resident is a media producer and videocassette businessman as well as a political reformer.

George H. Nee The Cranston resident is a labor leader and organizer of the Service Employees International Union, Local 76, as well as president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO.

Governor Philip W. Noel The former high school and college football player has a long career in public service in RI, from serving as three-time Mayor of Warwick (helping to bring about both the RI and Warwick Malls), to serving as Governor from 1973 to 1977. Noel also helped create the Rhode Island Port Authority and the state Department of Economic Development. He is a businessman and lawyer.