Rhode Island
Former R.I. Rep. Joseph Lima dies, remembered for dedication to community and Portuguese culture
PROVIDENCE – Joseph M. Lima, a prominent figure in the Portuguese-American community of Rhode Island, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at the age of 78.
A former Rhode Island state representative and first president of the Rhode Island Day of Portugal celebrations at the R.I. State House, Lima is being remembered as a cherished leader who distinguished himself in public service and whose dedication and passion for celebrating Portuguese heritage and culture have left an indelible mark.
“Joe’s vision and leadership were instrumental in establishing the Rhode Island Day of Portugal, creating a vibrant and inclusive celebration that brought together countless individuals over the years,” said Orlando Mateus, who served as 41st President of the Day of Portugal and Portuguese Heritage in Rhode Island. “His legacy of fostering unity, pride, and cultural appreciation will continue to inspire us all.”
For Mateus, Lima was more than a longtime friend and mentor.
“He was a guiding light whose dedication to Portuguese culture profoundly influenced my life,” he said. “His wisdom and counsel were always just a call away, and his unwavering commitment to community and heritage will forever inspire me.”
Marie Fraley, a past R.I. Day of Portugal Committee president and retired director of Rhode Island College’s Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies, said she’ll remember Lima as “a true statesman, gentleman, and family man who was a community builder.”
“As the first President of the Rhode Island Day of Portugal celebration, he was the foundation of a rich and enduring tradition that continues until this day in Rhode Island,” she said. “His warmth and wisdom will be sorely missed.”
The immediate past president of the R.I. Day of Portugal committee Ana Isabel dos Reis-Couto described Lima as “a pillar of the Portuguese community.”
“He recognized that effective leadership was rooted in a deep pride for our cultural heritage, and that to embrace our history not only strengthens our identity but also fosters a sense of belonging and unity among community members,” she said. “[He] believed in celebrating our traditions, values, and contributions to society so that our culture and heritage was vibrant. He was a steward of our culture, ensuring that our rich narratives and experiences were honored and shared, so that ultimately, they enriched the broader community while fostering resilience and solidarity. That is a legacy that will forever be remembered.”
Councilor for the Portuguese Communities Marcia da Ponte said the community is poorer for Lima’s passing.
“He was a great Portuguese,” she said. “He was proud of his roots and a great advocate for his community. Always very polite, humble and with a great sense of responsibility. May the example of his life be a great inspiration to us all.”
What is Joseph Lima known for?
Born in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Lima came to the United States in 1959 at age 13.
According to his obituary, he worked in management at Davol Rubber Company in Providence, and then moved on to sales positions at for-profit schools, including serving as the Northeast Regional Sales Director at an airline training school out of Miami Beach.
He retired as the Director of Admissions and Corporate Training Coordinator at New England Tractor Trailer Training School in Pawtucket, R.I.
In 1976, he was elected to the R.I. House of Representatives and served from 1977 to 1984, representing Providence as Deputy Majority Leader on the House Finance Committee and on House Education and Corrections Sub-Committees.
He was instrumental in eliminating the state tax on clothing and in opening House Committee meetings to the general public.
He served as Chairman of the Legislative Commission on English as a Second Language and introduced legislation creating the Portuguese Cultural Foundation in Rhode Island.
He also recommended to Governor Joseph J. Garrahy the appointment of M. Rachel Sousa Cunha to the R.I. Board of Regents, known today as the RI Board of Education.
He was the proponent of Peter Francisco Day in the State of Rhode Island.
He remained an active board member of the Rhode Island Day of Portugal and had the honor of serving as Grand Marshal of the 40th celebration in 2017.
When is Joseph Lima’s funeral?
Lima leaves behind his wife Teresa of 39 years, five children (Lori Medeiros and her husband Fred; Wayne J. Lima; Lisa M. Speel and her husband John; Soraya Rodrigues and her fiancé Shikenya, and Bruno Rodrigues) and eight grandchildren.
His funeral will be held on Monday, Oct. 21 at 9 a.m. from the Perry-McStay Funeral Home, 2555 Pawtucket Ave., East Providence, R.I.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, at 21 Traverse St., Providence, R.I.
Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
Calling hours will be Sunday, Oct. 20 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that contributions be made to Hope & Faith Drive, LLC., 18 Intervale Ave., East Providence, R.I. 02914.

Rhode Island
Former Barrington state senator Cindy Coyne announces run for lieutenant governor

Rhode Island
RI Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life winning numbers for June 9, 2025
The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at June 9, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from June 9 drawing
30-33-40-43-52, Powerball: 25, Power Play: 4
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lucky For Life numbers from June 9 drawing
03-07-17-29-46, Lucky Ball: 15
Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Numbers numbers from June 9 drawing
Midday: 4-3-1-0
Evening: 6-9-7-2
Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Wild Money numbers from June 9 drawing
02-05-13-32-34, Extra: 03
Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize
- Prizes less than $600 can be claimed at any Rhode Island Lottery Retailer. Prizes of $600 and above must be claimed at Lottery Headquarters, 1425 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island 02920.
- Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize. The annuitized prize shall be paid in 30 graduated annual installments.
- Winners of the Lucky for Life top prize of $1,000 a day for life and second prize of $25,000 a year for life can decide to collect the prize for a minimum of 20 years or take a lump sum cash payment.
When are the Rhode Island Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Numbers (Midday): 1:30 p.m. ET daily.
- Numbers (Evening): 7:29 p.m. ET daily.
- Wild Money: 7:29 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Rhode Island editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Rhode Island
Trump actions could force a recession for colleges, R.I. higher ed leader says – The Boston Globe

Brown University is facing the most pressure, with dozens of research grants cancelled and Trump threatening to halt $510 million in funding to the Ivy League college. Egan said all of Rhode Island’s private colleges have faced some level of cuts, and accused Republican leaders of trying to “force a recession on higher education.”
“They’re well on the way to achieving that,” Egan said.
The Trump administration has cut scores of research, particularly involving race and LGBTQ+ people, arguing it amounts to diversity, equity and inclusion and does not serve public health. The cuts include studies seeking to stop the spread of HIV.
The crackdown on DEI, plans to block international student visas, and proposed changes to student aid could all imperil universities, Egan said.
“Clearly there’s a desire to change the way higher education operates,” Egan said. “There will be an opportunity or a chance that great harm will be inflicted on the sector going forward.”
Brown president Christina Paxson has declined interviews about the Trump cuts, citing the uncertainty around future funding. Egan, who lobbies for Brown and the other colleges, said House Republicans’ proposed increase to the endowment tax could cost tens of millions for Brown, on top of the other funding cuts.
Layoffs would be likely if all of the proposed cuts come to fruition, Egan said. A Brown spokesperson said Friday the university has still not received “any demands or formal notification” about the $510 million proposed cut.
“That will harm small businesses, local businesses, local communities, when folks are no longer working and part of the community and part of the economic engine that is higher ed,” Egan said.
Rhode Island’s other colleges do not yet meet the threshold for their endowments to be taxed under the proposal.
Asked about Brown’s high price tag of $92 million a year and a perception that Brown is not contributing enough to Providence, Egan said most students don’t pay the full price tag because of scholarships and aid. He called the $177 million in voluntary payments from the four private colleges in Providence a “phenomenal gift” to the city, considering the universities are tax-exempt as nonprofits.
He said higher education has a major impact on the economy as one of the top employment sectors in the state.
“For those that question the economic impact, you need to go look at some of those local businesses, the pizza shops, the dry cleaners,” Egan said.
Financial woes for New England colleges predate Trump, Egan noted. A lower birthrate in the Northeast compared to other regions of the country means fewer students are turning college-aged each year. Johnson & Wales University recently announced layoffs, citing decreasing enrollment.
In Trump’s spending package, dubbed the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” Egan said he is most concerned about proposed cuts to Pell Grant eligibility — which would make it harder for part-time students to receive the college aid — and the cap on the amount of money graduate students can borrow.
The Trump administration has said the loan limits are “reasonable,” and called the Pell changes “critical reforms” to “prioritize students who truly need financial assistance while promoting completion.”
The Pell Grant, started by a US senator from Rhode Island, provides grants to low-income students that don’t need to be paid back.
Egan also noted that international students tend to pay the full price tag for college, unlike American students who can access federal aid, so blocking student visas would further hurt the universities’ bottom line.
“I find it ironic that around the globe we’re the envy of the world in higher education, but yet in our own country, from not only our leaders but the general public, we’re not seen in even a similar or equal light,” Egan said.
Watch the RI PBS Weekly interview in the player above, or listen to an extended version on the RI Report podcast.
Steph Machado can be reached at steph.machado@globe.com. Follow her @StephMachado.
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