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.
Health care premiums set to rise as ACA subsidy deal collapses
Obamacare subsidies are set to expire after Congress failed to reach a deal, leaving millions facing higher health care costs.
Thousands of Rhode Islanders dropped health insurance coverage through Rhode Island’s public insurance marketplace instead of maintaining plans with rising premiums and lower subsidies, HealthSource RI said.
Enrollment through HealthSource, Rhode Island’s “Obamacare” exchange, plunged 20% between the end of last year and the close of the annual enrollment period a month later, as federal funding for premium tax credits expired, according to a HealthSource new release.
There were 48,060 individual and family enrollments on Dec. 31 of last year, the day the premium subsidies from the American Rescue Plan and Inflation Reduction Act ended.
On Feb. 1, there were 38,557 enrollments.
Before this drop, HealthSource has posted enrollment increases almost every year since Affordable Care Act exchanges launched in 2013.
How did we get here?
Last year, the Republican-controlled federal government declined to extend premium tax credits after a protracted budget battle with congressional Democrats, who are now negotiating to restore the health insurance subsidies.
The lapse in subsidies coincided with an increase in premiums, driven by a combination of factors, which sent the total cost of coverage climbing.
The average premium across HealthSource enrollees more than doubled (101%,) the exchange said, or $111 per person, per month.
Many enrollees opted for cheaper insurance plans despite their higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs.
Others dropped coverage altogether.
“The increase in premiums, combined with the decrease in federal supports, makes this an incredibly challenging year for folks depending on HealthSource RI for health coverage,” HealthSource Director Lindsay Lang said in the release. “Having health coverage helps protect against one bad turn of luck becoming years of financial burden. We will work with every customer to find options that are best for their needs and budget, and continue to work with state leaders and our federal delegation to find long-term solutions.”
Could help be on the way?
Gov. Dan McKee included $9.5 million in his proposed state budget for the year starting July 1 to subsidize coverage for some of the lowest-income exchange enrollees.
The enrollment declines show that may be too little for some Rhode Islanders, and too late for others.
“It is disheartening but not surprising that, as President Trump’s policies have caused health insurance costs to skyrocket, more Rhode Islanders are struggling to pay for health coverage,” McKee said.
Since the exchange opened in 2013, Rhode Island’s uninsured rate has declined by two thirds, down to 2.2%, HealthSource said.
The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at March 9, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from March 9 drawing
22-23-28-36-54, Powerball: 13, Power Play: 3
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Numbers numbers from March 9 drawing
Midday: 5-7-4-4
Evening: 2-1-3-2
Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Wild Money numbers from March 9 drawing
02-14-16-34-35, Extra: 10
Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from March 9 drawing
06-16-26-41-43, Bonus: 03
Check Millionaire for Life 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 Millionaire for Life top prize of $1,000,000 a year for life and second prize of $100,000 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.
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 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.
Whether with a stop on a national or international tour or a regional favorite, the spring and summer concert calendar is filling up in Rhode Island.
The Ravers, Newport’s reggae band, comes to Rhode Island in April. There are plenty of concerts in the area that will have you dancing all spring and summer long, including some regional favorites.
We’ve rounded up 10 concerts in Rhode Island that are worth getting on the calendar. And speaking of calendars: Are you planning an event this spring? Feature it, so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!
Here’s what you need to know about upcoming concerts:
- Candlelight: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles, March 20, Bishop McVinney Auditorium, Providence
- Soulful Sounds in Pawtucket, April 3, Hope Events on Main, Pawtucket
- Ravers Night! April 11, Newport Vineyards & Winery, Middletown
- Corvettes — Doo Wop Revue, April 19, Courthouse Center for the Arts, Kingstown
- “Dancing at the Forty Steps” – Newport Irish Heritage Month flagship event, March 29, the Forty Steps on Cliff Walk, Newport
- Newport Classical: Yevgeny Kutik & Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner, April 10, Newport Classical Recital Hall, Newport
- Newport Classical: Zijian Wei performs Ravel and Liszt, May 8, Newport Classical Recital Hall, Newport
- Newport Classical Finale: Amir Hoshang Farsi and Chelsea Wang, June 5, Newport Classical Recital Hall, Newport
- An Evening With John Legend, April 26, Providence Performing Arts Center, Providence
- Ani DiFranco with Special Guest Valerie June, May 8, Providence Performing Arts Center, Providence
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