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Arthur Votolato Obituary
Retired Bankruptcy Judge Arthur N. Votolato, 86 passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2017. Earlier in the month, he celebrated the wonderful honor of being inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame. While too ill to attend the ceremony in person, his daughters Dacia and Hera brought his induction memorabilia to him and shared this special honor with their father.
Born in Providence, Rhode Island, he was the son of the late Arthur N. ("Pop Pop") Votolato and Mary ("Honey") Tavani. He had a passion for flying and was always gracious in inviting any willing passengers to accompany him on quests for the best lunches at local airports. He is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and Boston University School of Law. He was sworn into the Rhode Island Bar in 1956 and joined his father in the practice of law. He ran for Rhode Island Attorney General in 1962, and after losing to the incumbent, he became the Freeway Property Acquisition Coordinator at the Rhode Island Department of Transportation. He was Chief Counsel in charge of eminent domain and condemnation litigation.
In 1968, Arthur was appointed as the first United States Bankruptcy Judge for the District of Rhode Island. He served continuously for 44 years, retiring in 2012. When he retired, he was the longest sitting bankruptcy judge with continuous service in the country. Anyone who came before Judge Votolato instantly knew he was different. He entered the courtroom without a robe, and instead of hearing the usual mantra "All Rise", all participants were asked to remain seated. He was the people's judge. He dispensed with formalities to demonstrate he was no different than those who appeared before him. Members of the bar often remarked that win or lose, you always felt as though you had your day in court before Judge Votolato because he was attentive, polite and respectful. He oversaw the bankruptcy of some notable Rhode Island Institutions, including, Almac's, Rocky Point Amusement Park, Narragansett Clothing, Newport Creamery, American Shipyard, Bess Eaton Donut, and Twin River to name a few.
Judge Votolato leaves the two loves of his life—his daughters: Dacia and Hera Votolato. He is also survived by his brother Gregory of the United Kingdom, his sister Dolores ("Bubbles") Barchi of Connecticut and several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service in Celebration of the Life of Judge Arthur N. Votolato will be held on Friday, June 2 at 4:00 PM (doors open and guest book will be available for signing starting at 3:15 PM), East Greenwich United Methodist Church, 1558 South County Trail, East Greenwich, RI 02818, with a reception to follow. Interment will occur on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 11:30AM at St. Ann's Cemetery in Cranston, Rhode Island. Relatives and friends who are attending the interment are asked to meet at "WOODLAWN" Funeral Home 600 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston at 10:30 AM. Kindly omit flowers. Donations in Judge Votolato's memory may be made to: The Traumatic Brain Injury Association (www.biari.org) or the International OCD Foundation (www.iocdf.org). Please share memories at
WoodlawnGattone.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Arthur Votolato
Sponsored by Woodlawn Funeral Home - Cranston.
linda tucker
May 25, 2019
My memories of Arthur are colorful. I remember him mostly for his ability to engage in lively conversation - he was a wonderful listener. He was a connector of people. While I was married to him, I experienced things I never would have on my own. A trip to Puerto Rico, meeting other bankruptcy judges and gaining an understanding of how the courts work, sitting in the back of his small plane (although I was terrified, it was another once in a lifetime experience). He made a trip to Florida with his sister - and his brother came from London. It was good. I felt part of the family. I think of him and smile. . We remained friends after a divorce, and I remember how he always ended a telephone conversation. I would say "take car of yourself" and he would say "likewise." A memorable character.
Dolores (bubbles) Votolato Barchi
June 7, 2017
Jan Johnson
June 5, 2017
As the Chapter 13 Trustee in Puerto Rico, I appeared many times before Judge Votolato. At the time I was also flying fighters with the Air National Guard, so we always had a lot in common to talk about. He was always concerned about the "little guy", and was a true gentleman and a great judge.
Happy landings, my friend!
June 5, 2017
Dear Dacia and Hera,
Our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers are extended to you at this difficult time. Your Dad was a remarkable man. Arthur lived an exciting life. We hope the many memories made during his lifetime will give you peace and comfort.
Sincerely,
Cheryl and Larry Johnson
June 5, 2017
I spent many hours with Art at judicial meetings, where we were sometimes roommates, and at bankruptcy education programs. He was always concerned with the way in which bankruptcy proceedings impacted the real people, whether creditor or debtor, who came before him, or any bankruptcy judge. His life and his decisions reflected these concerns. We shared these concerns and many aspects of our Italian heritage. He will be missed by many. Buona notte, amico mio.
Judge Tom Waldron, retired
Tom Bousquet
June 4, 2017
He called me Tom Tom.
I was Proud to Stand as Tall as Arthur.
He Taught me that it was possible to be a " GOOD, Single FATHER ". He was a verry Good Father, Devoted to his Children and Took that Job as Seriously as He Did, Being The Best Judge in All of the United States of America .
I'm Forever Greatfull.
I Love You Pop Pop,
Tom Tom
Peter G Berman
June 1, 2017
Blessed is the memory of the righteous
May 31, 2017
To ANV
May you Rest In Peace
Love, LGW
Dawn Greene
May 31, 2017
My sincerest condondolences to the family of Judge Votolato. He always went above and beyond to help anyone who needed assistance in their time of trouble. My husband and I were and he did just that for us. I'm forever grateful and we will all miss you! Fly On!!
Nancy Friedman
May 31, 2017
Dear Dacia and Hera, Your father was a great man, with integrity, kindness, and sense of humor. I will remember him fondly. Please accept my sympathy and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Warm Regards, your next-door neighbor from long ago... Nancy Friedman (Goldman)
Jack/Rita Langford
May 31, 2017
My deepest condolences to the Votolato Family on the loss of their father, brother and uncle. He was a man of character and class.
May 31, 2017
Dacia and Hera,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a great man.
Love,
Jeanie Potter
Ginny Roberto
May 31, 2017
Arthur was such a wonderful man. He will be sadly missed!
May 31, 2017
Just spoke with Arthur two weeks ago. The conversation was a good one . We said goodbye as we always did "Good to talk with you Arthur" - "Likewise" from Art. I am glad I made the call.
A colorful, crusty at times, fun, generous friend. He was good to me in many ways. He always "held my coat" - when I swam in The Gulf of Mexico in winter (will not repeat his expletive) lol, standing at the bottom of the dunes in Truro when I climbed up and threw my parent's ashes to the sea, when he generously escorted me to visit my developmentally disabled sister in NJ - he held my coat - he stood guard - he smiled and sometimes swore and , one time, he cried.
I will be forever grateful - and smile when I think of him. Arthur made a difference in my life.
My love to his family - Greg, Bubbles, Hera and Dacia.
Judge Henry Boroff (Ret.)
May 31, 2017
Arthur was not only a great judge, but also a sweet, unassuming man who was kind to all who crossed his path. This is no doubt a profound loss for his family, but also for his many friends and colleagues - and for the state of Rhode Island.
Karen Faris
May 31, 2017
My deepest sympathy to Hera,Dacia and family. Although I only knew your dad for a short time, he was a hot ticket, a one of a kind. He will be greatly missed by all.
Kanina/Kathy Hague
May 30, 2017
Hera, Dacia and family, my sincere condolences. I met Arthur in the 70's and was always impressed by his love of life and his upbeat attitude. He was a genuinely nice guy who adored his daughters. He will be missed by many.
Anthony Barbato
May 30, 2017
Hera ,Dacia and family my deepest condolences. Your Dad was a great man and may he rest in peace in heaven with all the angels and saints.God Bless all of you during this trying time.
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