I was saddened to learn
of the passing of Rhode Island’s former First Lady Elena Pastore. A devoted
mother, she was surrounded at the time of her death by numerous loved ones,
including her daughter.
From the very
beginning, it was clear that Elena Pastore was special. Born on Leap Day in
1920, she grew up one of 10 children in a large, Italian-American family in
Providence.
Although she was only
in her early 20s when her husband, John Pastore, became Governor, she was his
most important and trusted political advisor. Throughout his long career – in
which he was both the first Italian-American Governor and U.S. Senator – Elena
was by his side, his companion, confidante, and counselor. Those who knew John
and Elena well had little doubt that she was a key ingredient to his tremendous
success.
Elena helped raise and
nurture three accomplished children, including her son, Dr. John O. Pastore,
Jr., who was secretary of the International Physicians for the Prevention of
Nuclear War when the group won the Nobel Peace Prize.
John Pastore is among
the most beloved leaders the State of Rhode Island has ever known; we have now
lost the extraordinary woman without whom his distinguished career would not
have been possible. When we consider the many contributions Governor and
Senator Pastore made to his home state, we should thank Elena, as well. She
will be missed.
