Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza:
“My thoughts and prayers are with Mayor Cianci’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. Mayor Cianci’s love for the City of Providence is undeniable and his mark on the city will not be forgotten,” said Mayor Elorza. “I have ordered flags at City Hall to be flown at half-staff as we make arrangements to recognize his memory.”
Providence City Council:
“Today is a sad day as our city mourns the loss of its longest-serving mayor,” said Council President Luis Aponte. “We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Mayor Cianci’s shadow looms large over the City of Providence. His brilliant mind, charisma, passion, and love for Providence are woven into his legacy. “
“This is a tremendous loss,” said Majority Leader Kevin Jackson. “He had a great vision for our city and he will be deeply missed.”
“I’m in deep sorrow,” said Councilman Terrence Hassett. “For me, this is a great loss. He was a personal friend for many years, and I’m sincerely going to miss his counsel and his advice on the challenging issues we face every day in city government and city life.”
Councilman David Salvatore said “I was deeply saddened to learn this morning about the passing of former Providence Mayor, Vincent “Buddy” Cianci. Rhode Island has lost an iconic public figure.
As an elected official in Providence, I enjoyed engaging in conversation with Buddy and will fondly remember our discussions, whether they were in passing on Federal Hill or with him on WPRO. He was always passionate and eager to talk about his favorite sport: politics.
Today, as so many of us reflect on the life of Mayor Cianci, one thing is clear: his passion for the city he loved so much will never be forgotten. The City of Providence will forever carry his memory and the legacy he leaves behind.
I join the many Providence residents in sending my thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones.”
Governor Gina Raimondo:
“My thoughts and prayers go out to former Mayor Buddy Cianci’s family, friends and loved ones. He was a colorful part of Providence’s fabric, and his love for our capital city never wavered.”
Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello:
“I always loved going on his show, he treated me respectfully. He was someone that I respected and i liked spending a little time with when we did our shows.”
Lt. Governor Dan McKee:
“I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mayor Buddy Cianci, who for so long has been a fixture in Providence, a city he truly loved. The Mayor lifted Providence up in many ways, overseeing its renaissance in the 1990s, and the capital would not be the same but for him. I send my condolences to his family and friends.”
Senator Jack Reed:
“At this difficult moment, I hope his family and friends find peace and comfort in their memories of a unique personality and life. This is a time for reflection. Clearly, Buddy Cianci cared deeply about his native city.”
Former Providence Mayor Joseph Paolino:
“With this morning’s passing of Providence’s longest serving mayor, Vincent A. Cianci, Jr., The people of Providence and the city itself have lost its greatest champion. He gave his heart to Providence, and the city’s energy and its very soul will always reflect his love and his brilliance in forging the Providence Renaissance.”
Our thoughts and prayers are now with his family and his fiancée. As arrangements are made, more information will be released.
Bishop Thomas Tobin, Diocese of Providence
“I was very sorry to learn of the passing of Mayor Buddy Cianci, and on behalf of the Diocese of Providence, I extend our sincere sympathy and promise of prayers to his family, friends, associates and all those who mourn his loss.
Throughout his career, Mayor Cianci was unfailingly helpful to the Catholic Church in Providence and for that we will always be grateful. As Mayor of Providence he was keenly aware of the enormous contributions the Church makes every day to our community and he wanted to support that mission.
On this occasion we call to mind the saying, “Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future.” While we reflect upon Buddy’s past contributions, we are also comforted by the future that awaits him in the presence of a merciful God. May Almighty God be good to him, forgive his sins, and reward the many good things he accomplished during his time on earth.
Cranston Mayor Alan Fung
“Today, I ordered the city flags lowered to half-staff in honor of Cranston native and former Providence Mayor Vincent A. “Buddy” Cianci Jr.
Mayor Cianci was a true Rhode Island icon who was larger than life. Most Rhode Islanders, including me, our own “Buddy” story.” said Mayor Fung
Most importantly, he touched many individuals and was always willing to give of himself to many worthy charitable causes. We will never forget his life fully lived. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.”
Beryl Kenyon, Former Cianci Campaign Staffer
With this morning’s passing of Providence’s longest serving mayor, Vincent A. Cianci, Jr., the people of Providence and the City itself have lost its greatest champion. He gave his heart to Providence, and the city’s energy and its very soul will always reflect his love and his brilliance in forging the Providence Renaissance. Our thoughts and prayers are now with his family and his fiancée. As arrangements are made, more information will be released.
This list will be updated throughout the day.
