Rhode Islanders remember Pell

NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) - In addition to U.S. Senators, a former President and a prince, hundreds of everyday Rhode Islanders turned out Monday morning to pay their respects to former Sen. Claiborne Pell.

Many of those in attendance began lining up outside Newport's Trinity Church in hopes of getting a seat to the funeral.

Pell, an advocate of education and the arts, served in the U.S. Senate for 36 years.

Mourners turned out for various reasons.

"I taught school for 30 years, and I was at the University of Rhode Island and many, many people would not have gotten there if it hadn't been for him and the Pell Grants," said Barbara Stetson.

"I did see him when the Dali Lama was here and we went to Salve," said Kate Dempsey. "Of course he and Mrs. Pell were there, and it was just wonderful. You know you're in the presence of someone who has a good heart, who's not a big star, pounding their chest saying look at me, look at me. And that's the other beautiful part of this man, I think."

Mourners who could not make it to Newport also had the chance to pay their respects at the RI State House. There, a guestbook was flanked by portraits of Pell. A guestbook was also available at the Pell Center at Salve Regina University. Condolences can also be submitted online.