Johnston’s Sen. Frank Lombardo III, champion for the business community, dies

Sen. Frank Lombardo III, a Johnston Democrat whose legislative efforts aimed to make Rhode Island friendlier to the small business community, has died, the Rhode Island Senate announced on Wednesday. He was 65.

The cause was bladder cancer, the Senate confirmed in a statement. Despite his illness, Lombardo continued to be an active presence on Smith Hill, casting votes on the Senate floor through Feb. 15, when he approved board appointments to the Rhode Island Commerce Corp. and Rhode Island Convention Center Authority.

Gov. Dan McKee directed state flags to fly at half-staff until Lombardo’s interment in his memory.

“Senator Lombardo was a dedicated and passionate leader who worked to make Rhode Island a better place for everyone,” McKee said. “While his legacy will live on, he will be deeply missed.”

According to state law, Lombardo’s seat will be filled as part of the regularly scheduled state elections this fall.

This is unlike the process to fill the vacancy left by former Sen. Maryellen Goodwin, who died in April 2023. A special election was held for Goodwin’s seat in the fall of 2023, since it was not a regular election year.

Senate President Dominick Ruggerio described Lombardo as “one of the kindest and most generous people” in a statement.

“He was a passionate and effective representative of his constituents, and he embodied the spirit of collegiality and service to which every member of the Senate aspires,” Ruggerio said. “Frank’s dignity and courage in the face of illness was an inspiration to us all.”

First elected in 2010, Lombardo served six consecutive terms as a state senator; he also headed the Senate Housing and Municipal Government Committee. A small business owner with his own HVAC company, Lombardo and Sons, he advocated for small businesses, sponsoring, including a 2018 package known as the Small Business Friendliness Omnibus, which eliminated licenses and fees, according to his biography on the Rhode Island General Assembly website.

He also sponsored legislation to increase transparency in the state tax credit program, ban powdered alcohol sales and set up a licensing program for three-wheeled motorcycles.

Cross-country motorcycle trips were one of several thrill-seeking pastimes he enjoyed, along with helicopter skiing, according to Ruggerio, who described Lombardo as “full of energy and adventure.”

“He never shied from giving tough feedback or challenging your thinking,” Senate Majority Leader Ryan Pearson said in a statement. “That same spirit also extended to his adventurous hobbies where he challenged and beat me down every ski mountain he could complete with a lot of commentary about it.”

Lombardo and his wife, Patricia, had two children, Frank and Victoria. He graduated from Smithfield High School and Rhode Island College. He belonged to several industry associations and trade groups including Rhode Island Builders, the Associated Builders and Contractors, and a member of the Refrigeration Service and Engineering Society.​

House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi called Lombardo a “fierce advocate” for the Johnston community.

“A true gentleman, Senator Lombardo treated everyone with respect and leaves a legacy of dedication and hard work on behalf of the people of Rhode Island,” Shekarchi said in a statement.

Liz Beretta-Perik, chairwoman of the Rhode Island Democratic Party, also issued a statement expressing condolences on Wednesday.

“Frank dedicated his public service to increasing transparency and accountability in our government,” Beretta-Perik said. “Frank’s legacy is marked by a strong commitment to his community and Democratic values.”