Former senator Claiborne Pell from Rhode Island passed away at the age of 90 on January 1, 2009. Pell served in the U.S. Senate from 1961 to 1997. He helped create the college grant program that was named after him, the Pell Grant.The Providence Journal: Former U.S. Sen. Claiborne Pell, 90, dies (January 1, 2009)
Pell's funeral was held on Monday, January 5, 2008, at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Rhode Island. Vice-President Elect Joe Biden, former President Bill Clinton and Massachusetts' Senator Edward Kennedy delivered eulogies.The Associated Press: Bill Clinton, Biden to Eulogize Claiborne Pell (January 5, 2008)
Quote on Pell's Passing
"Rhode Island has lost one of its greatest statesmen, one who embodied the highest ideals of public service. Senator Pell was a gentleman and champion for those who needed their voices heard, and his work truly made a difference for our state and the nation."—Congressman Jim LangevinThe Providence Journal: Langevin statement on former Sen. Pell (January 1, 2009)
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Senator from Rhode Island from 1961 to 1997
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Sponsored the 1965 law that created the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for HumanitiesThe Associated Press: Bill Clinton, Biden to Eulogize Claiborne Pell (January 5, 2008)
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Pell is survived by his wife Nuala O'Donnell Pell, son Christopher Pell, daughter Dallas Pell, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren
