Herbert F. DeSimone facts for kids

Herbert F. DeSimone (born September 5, 1929 – died November 27, 2013) was an American lawyer and politician from Rhode Island. He held important roles, serving as the top lawyer for Rhode Island (called the Attorney General) and working for President Nixon in the Department of Transportation.

Early Life and Education

Herbert F. DeSimone was born in Providence, Rhode Island. He was the only child of Florie and Lena DeSimone.

He went to La Salle Academy. After that, he graduated from Brown University in 1951. While at Brown, he played college football as a defensive tackle. His 1949 team was even honored in the Brown University Hall of Fame.

In 1954, he earned his law degree from Columbia University Law School. Soon after, he was allowed to practice law in Rhode Island. He then started his career as a lawyer there.

Political Career and Public Service

DeSimone was a member of the Republican Party. He served as the Attorney General of Rhode Island from 1967 to 1971. This job meant he was the chief legal officer for the state.

In 1970, he ran for Governor of Rhode Island. He was the Republican candidate but lost the election to Frank Licht. After this, President Richard Nixon chose DeSimone for a new role. He became the Assistant Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation for Environment and Urban System. He worked in this position from 1971 to 1972. This job involved helping to improve transportation while also protecting the environment and supporting city development.

He ran for Governor of Rhode Island again in 1972 against Philip W. Noel, but he was not elected. After that, he went back to working as a private lawyer.

In 1985, Governor Edward D. DiPrete appointed DeSimone as the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation. He also served as the Director of the Providence Industrial Development Corporation. Additionally, he was the General Counsel for the Rhode Island Housing and Finance Corporation.

Awards and Recognition

Herbert DeSimone received several awards for his work. In 2002, he was given the Neil J. Houston Award. This award recognized his important contributions to the criminal justice system and public interest.

He was also named Man of the Year by Engineering News Record. The Italo-American Club of Rhode Island also honored him as their Man of the Year.

Personal Life

Herbert DeSimone was married to Sally Reynolds DeSimone. They had three children together: Herbert DeSimone, Douglas DeSimone, and Deborah DeSimone.

Herbert F. DeSimone passed away in Providence, Rhode Island, on November 27, 2013.