Politicians extend their condolences

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Congressman Jim Langevin on the passing of Sen. Pell:

"Rhode Island has lost one of its greatest statesmen, one who embodied the highest ideals of public service. Senator Pell was a gentleman and champion for those who needed their voices heard, and his work truly made a difference for our state and the nation. I considered Senator Pell a friend and a mentor and had the honor of interning in his Washington, DC office during my studies at Rhode Island College. As I began my own career in government, Senator Pell was there, offering advice and support. He is, and always will be, a role model for me as I work to serve the people of Rhode Island just as he did, with courage and integrity. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Pell Family, especially his beloved wife, Nuala, during this difficult time."

General Treasurer Frank T. Caprio on the passing of Sen. Pell:

"Senator Pell's career in public service shaped national and international policy over the decades, but he never forgot his first priority was the state of Rhode Island."

U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse issued the following statement on the death of former Senator Claiborne Pell:

"Claiborne Pell was a mentor, example and friend; a uniquely beloved Rhode Island politician; and a champion for artists and scholars and all Americans who see higher education lighting a path to a brighter future. We will all miss him deeply, and long benefit from the works of his farseeing soul. America shares in the loss felt by Nuala and the Pell family."

Statement by Senator Jack Reed on the Death of Former Senator Claiborne Pell:

"Senator Pell was a remarkable statesman and legislator who worked tirelessly to promote peace and expand opportunity through education. He was a formidable political force in the U.S. Senate and millions of working families across the country have benefited from Pell grants. Senator Pell's contributions to Rhode Island and the nation will continue to be felt for generations to come. I extend my sincere condolences to Nuala and the entire Pell family."

Statement from Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy on the passing of Sen. Pell:

"My thoughts and prayers are with Senator Pell's wife, Nuala, and his family. Senator Pell has left an extraordinary legacy that is appreciated by so many people around the world. Our nation has lost one of its most visionary and thoughtful legislative leaders, and his hallmark, the Pell Grant, exemplifies his efforts to promote education and opportunity for all Americans. His commitment to public service and his notable contributions to Rhode Island and our nation continue to inspire people of all generations. He will be truly missed and again, my sympathies and prayers are with his family."

Statement by Former Governor Joseph Garrahy:

"The passing of former Senator Claiborne Pell is a great loss for all of us. He was a great man for Rhode Island and will be missed. He had such a long and distinguished career. He was highly respected by not only the people of Rhode Island but by people all over the country."

Senator Edward M. Kennedy released the following statement on the passing of former Senator Claiborne Pell of Rhode Island:

"Claiborne was a giant in the Senate and beloved by the Kennedy family. He was a close, personal friend of President Kennedy, and all of our family has been proud to call him our friend since that time. In a very special way, he and Nuala have been very dear to Vicki and me. We will miss him very much.

Claiborne dedicated his life to serving others. He believed strongly that a good education could open infinite doors of opportunity, and he has transformed the lives of millions of young people who have been able to go to college because of the grant that rightly bears his name. Claiborne Pell loved Rhode Island and was beloved by its people. He loved this country, and he served it with honor and distinction. And we are a better nation because of him."

Mayor David N. Cicilline's statement on the passing of Senator Claiborne Pell:

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Senator Claiborne Pell, who was an extraordinary United States senator from Rhode Island and one of America's most outstanding statesmen. He was truly a visionary leader with the highest ideals of public service and he has left a lasting legacy that will continue to impact many generations of Americans.

Two of the most notable achievements of the late Senator were the creation of the National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities and the Pell Grants that created education opportunities for countless students. In Rhode Island, and in Providence especially, we are grateful for the pioneering work of Senator Pell as a founding father of the NEAH, an initiative that brought us Trinity Repertory Company's Project Discovery, and fueled the creation of dance companies, musical ensembles and visual arts programs all across the nation.

Senator Pell's leadership as Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee helped shape American foreign policy for decades, especially his support for nuclear nonproliferation. I have ordered flags above all City buildings to be lowered to half-staff in honor of an inspiring public figure who has left our world a better place."

Former Congressman Edward Beard released this statement:

"The death of Former Senator Pell is a personal loss. He was a wonderful person, a champion of education with the Pell Grants. Senator Pell was a great supporter of oceanography, a champion of the elderly, and a master of foreign policy. I will miss him dearly."

Former U.S. Senator Lincoln Chafee on the passing of Sen. Pell:

"The scope of Senator Pell's contributions to his state and his country are wide ranging; from improved mass transit, to a better understanding of oceanography, to the most famous of all - the chance for a college education for so many Americans.

Stephanie and I join all Rhode Islanders and Americans in sending our condolences to the friendly and talented Pell Family."