JAMES L. TAFT, JR

80, former Mayor of the City of Cranston, passed away on September 5, 2011 at home in Wakefield surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of Sally Anne (Fitzpatrick) Taft and formerly resided in Cranston and Saunderstown. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Honorable James L. Taft and Katherine (McGrath) Taft.

Besides his wife of 56 years, he leaves four daughters, who were always sources of great pride for him, Sarah Taft-Carter and her husband John C. Carter; Mary T. Rochford and Glenn F. Graf, Eleanor W. Taft and Jamie T. Costello and her husband J. Michael Costello. He was blessed with ten grandchildren. He was also the brother Reverend Robert F. Taft of Rome, Italy, Eleanor T. McSally of Wakefield and David W. Taft of Cranston. He was also the brother of the late Katherine Taft.

A practicing attorney for over fifty years, he was educated in Cranston public schools before graduating from LaSalle Academy in 1948. He graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 1952 and from Boston College Law School on 1955.

Mayor Taft was admitted to the Rhode Island Bar in 1955 and was admitted to the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island, United States Court of Appeals for the First Judicial Circuit, United States Tax Court and the United States Supreme Court. He was a member of the Rhode Island and American Bar Associations.

He began the practice of law with his late father James L. Taft in Providence and later practiced with his late brother-in law Bernard F. McSally. He led the firm of Taft & McSally as it operated in Providence before its move to Cranston in 1986 where he later formed the partnership of Taft & McSally LLP. Under his leadership, Taft & McSally was engaged in the general practice of law offering a wide range of legal services for numerous municipalities, governmental agencies, banks, financial institutions, businesses, and families.

In addition to being a prominent attorney in the state, Mayor Taft is remembered for his many years of appointed and elected service to the people of Rhode Island. He began his elective service as member of the Cranston City Council 1959 and 1960. He was later elected to the Rhode Island Senate from Cranston for eight years from 1962-1970. He served as Senate Minority Leader form 1968-1970.

His most significant public contributions to Cranston and Rhode Island were during his eight years as Mayor from 1971-1979. A popular and hard working public official, he was well known through out the city and state for his zealous work on behalf of residents and taxpayers. Many notable programs and neighborhood projects were undertaken during his years in City Hall including expansion of elderly programs the creation of Transvan, the first senior transportation program; the extension of water and sewers to Western Cranston neighborhoods; the establishment of CODAC, the professionalism of city finances, historic preservation and many neighborhood redevelopment projects. Many Cranstonians recall his long and tireless efforts for residents during the "Blizzard of 78".

Mr. Taft also served as Probate Judge and Town Solicitor of North Kingstown. He served on the Governor's Advisory Commission on Judicial Appointments from 1985-1990 and was a contributing member of the Rhode Island Bar Association Probate and Trust Committee. He served as Bond Counsel Rhode Island and numerous municipalities and quasi-public agencies. Mayor Taft also served a Director for the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston.

He was a former member of the Quidnessett Country Club and Point Judith Country Club. He was a member of The Dunes Club and The University Club.

A former candidate for Governor of Rhode Island, Taft served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1972. He was an Elector for President and Vice President of the United States in 1972.

His funeral will be held on Friday, September 9, 2011 at 8:30 a.m. from the Nardolillo Funeral Home SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 1111 Boston Neck Road (Rt. 1A), Narragansett with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St. Thomas More Church, 53 Rockland Street, Narragansett. A graveside interment will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Visitation Thursday, September 8 from 4:00- 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904.