'He will stand as a one-of-a-kind person, a one-of-a-kind legislator, a one-of-a-kind man and a one-of-a-kind human being.' Rep. Steven Costantino, D-Providence, about the late Paul W. Crowley

By Joe Baker Daily News staff

PROVIDENCE - With his seat draped in black cloth and decorated with a bouquet of green carnations, the House of Representatives on Tuesday paid one final tribute to the late Paul W. Crowley, recalling the dedication and passion he showed during his 27-year legislative career.

With members of the Crowley family, including his wife, Diana, in the chambers, Rep. John P. Shanley, D-South Kingstown, read a tribute he wrote for his close friend. Shanley praised Crowley as a "seeker of solutions to complex problems." And while Crowley, who died in September after an 18-month battle with cancer, was well known as an advocate for improving the state's school system, he wanted it better for all students. That's why he championed vocational schools, too, Shanley said.

"He once remarked that masons and carpenters built the structure before it became the site for Michelangelo to paint the ceiling that is the Sistine Chapel," Shanley said. The praise for Crowley came from both sides of the political aisle. Minority Leader Robert A. Watson, R-East Greenwich, admitted to a few political dustups with Crowley on the House floor, but said he always knew once the debate was over, Crowley would carry no grudge..

"Putting politics aside, putting our respective political roles aside, we need Paul Crowley more today than we ever have," Watson said.

Rep. Steven Costantino, D. Providence, sat next to Crowley in the House Finance Committee for years and, as chairman, relied on his advice.

"He taught me how to be a good chair more than anyone I've worked with," Costantino said. "The one word that describes him is passion, passion, passion. He will stand as a one-of-a-kind person, a one-of-a-kind legislator, a one-of-a-kind man and a one-of-a kind human being."

House leaders put together a five-minute video clip of Crowley, highlighting many of his more notable debates on both the House floor and in committee. One clip showed him addressing the House on the 'first day of a legislative session. According to the state constitution, the senior Newport legislator presides over the House until it elects a new Speaker of the House. On this day, Crowley passed along advice he said he gave to his daughter when she began college.

"Think critically. Don't accept ideas, question them," he told his House colleagues.

The House unanimously approved a resolution expressing condolences on Crowley's death, calling him "a man of action."

"Even though we are diminished by this loss and will mourn Paul's passing, so must we celebrate the spirit, generosity and courage with which he lived every day of his life," the resolution read.

Shanley put the finishing touches on the tribute.

"One last quote for Paul from chambers, Rep. John P. Shanley, D-South Kingstown, read a tribute he wrote for his close friend. Shanley praised Crowley as a "seeker of solutions to complex problems." And while Crowley, who died in September after an 18-month battle with cancer, was well known as an advocate for improving the state's school system, he wanted it better for all students. That's why he championed another Irish writer, Oscar Wilde. 'There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about and that is not being talked about'. Don't worry, Paul, "you will be talked about for a long, long time," Shanley said. "As for me, you will be my model for thinking through the elements that become political issues and upon reaching a decision what is righ

Joe Baker is a Daily News staff writer. Send him e-mail at Baker@NewportRI.com.