Preparations underway for Pell funeral

NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) - Hundreds of people, including dozens of dignitaries, will converge on Newport Monday morning to honor the life and legacy of the late U.S. Sen. Claiborne Pell.

Pell died at the age of 90 Thursday at his Newport home after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. During his decades in Washington, the Democrat was known as a proponent of the arts and education.

Former President Bill Clinton, Vice President-elect Joseph Biden, Sen. Edward Kennedy and Sen. Jack Reed are among those expected to speak at the service, which is being held at Trinity Church in Newport at 10 a.m. Nicholas Lorillard Pell, the Senator's grandson, will also deliver a eulogy.

Prince and Head of State of Liechtenstein Hans Adam plans to be in attendance, as well as a delegation of U.S. Senators, which will include: Sen. Harry Reid, Sen. Jeff Bingaman, Sen. Chris Dodd, Sen. Dick Durbin, Sen. Orrin Hatch, Sen. John Kerry, Sen. Patrick Leahy, Sen. Joseph Lieberman, Sen.Richard  Lugar and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse. Congressman Patrick Kennedy and Congressman James Langevin are also schedule to be there.

Following the service, a reception is being held at the Pell Center on the Salve Regina University campus. Both events are open to the public. The burial, however, is private.

For those who would like to pay their respects, several portraits will be displayed alongside a guestbook at the State House starting Monday morning. A guestbook will also be available at the Pell Center immediately following the funeral service. Condolences may also be submitted online.

Due to the large turnout expected at the funeral, parking restrictions will go into effect near Trinity Church at 6 a.m. Monday. They include: Spring St. from Pelham to Mary St.; Thames St. from Church St. to Mill St.; and Mill St. between Thames St. and Spring St.

Newport Police are not planning any permanent road closures at this time, but say there may be intermittent closures throughout the day if warranted.

Eyewitness News' funeral coverage will begin on Eyewitness News This Morning at 5 a.m. The service will simulcasted live on wpri.com and on WPRI Channel 12, with coverage beginning shortly before 10 a.m.