My Friend Vincent Vespia - Judge Frank J. Williams
Thursday, January 26, 2023
Vincent Vespia and I were close friends for more than fifty years – first meeting when he was on the Organized Crime Task Force of the State Police and I was an intern for then-Attorney General Herb DeSimone. Vespia was one of Rhode island’s finest – a good guy. Above all, he was fair in his dealings with people and those charged with criminal conduct.
Our hearts go out to Judy and their “girls.” They may not realize it now but his legacy will be with them, and us, for the rest of our lives.
After his retirement from the State Police, he was appointed Chief of Police for the Town of South Kingstown. I was proud to work with him as Town Solicitor until my appointment to the Superior court bench.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTOur thoughts about the Chief are a measure of a life extraordinarily well lived. Vin had a remarkable capacity for making and keeping friends. He was what the old biographers used to call a man of wide influence. I am not talking about political or personal influence. I mean that other members of law enforcement, judges and lawyers, a highly independent lot, wanted to know what the Chief thought and they gave his opinion great weight, because Vin was both learned in his profession and uncommonly practical. He knew the difference between logic and reason.
His accomplishments were broad and revealed a wide-ranging mind. He wore his learning lightly. He made you feel smart when you were around him. He listened quietly and respectfully, taking in every word. You found it easy to learn from him, without entirely realizing it.
He had great judgment and was non-judgmental, kind but firm, gracious but not obsequious, courageous, not meek; in other words – a man’s man.
I suppose that the quality that people most admired in Vin, and the one central to his personality, was his equanimity.
Though he cared deeply about all that he did, he was never discouraged by technicality.
His ability to make and keep friends is legendary, as is his loyalty, which I cherish along with all of you. Over the years, he rightly received many honors. But he never bragged about it. He was self-effacing.
As a great leader once said, “The better part of one’s life consists of his friendships.” And Vin, we are pleased, delighted, and honored that you were our friend.
Frank J. Williams, Chief Justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court (ret)
Related Articles
- A.T. Wall, Vincent Vespia, Jr.,Roberta Richman & others Heading to Criminal Justice Hall of Fame
- A Key Player in the Patriarca Era Retires - Vespia Steps Down
