John P. Hawkins, Esq. "The Hawk", 80, of Providence, died Monday morning, September 14th, at Rhode Island Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late Jane A. (Ross) Hawkins.

Born in Providence, he was the youngest child of the late William J. and Catherine E. (Keegan) Hawkins. He was the brother of the late William Hawkins (former chief of Parks and Recreation for the State of Rhode Island) and the late Sister Mary Macrina Hawkins.

He is survived by his sister; Catherine E. Graziano, (former Senator and Dean of Nursing at Salve Regina University) and his sister-in-laws, Anne Hawkins, Margaret Ross and Betty Casey. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, Mary Lou Pontarelli, William Graziano, Judge Catherine Graziano (ret.), Paul Graziano, Carol Graziano, Kathleen Connell, William J. Hawkins, Bernard Hawkins, Smithfield Town Council Pres., Cheryl Corsi, Paul Hawkins, Kevin Hawkins (RI State police Lt. ret.), Peggy Dunn, Edward Zolkos, Michael Zolkos, Paul Zolkos and Norman Zolkos and their children and grandchildren.

John was a graduate of LaSalle Academy, the University of Rhode Island and Suffolk Law School. He also served in the Signal Corps Research Unit of the US Army in Kyoto, Japan. Upon returning to the US, John became a Providence Firefighter, while attending URI, earning both a Bachelor of Arts degree as well as a Master’s in Public Administration. In November of 1966, he was elected to the Rhode Island Senate, serving from 1967 to 1976. He was elected Senate Majority Leader in 1973. John’s Senate district included parts of Mt. Pleasant and Manton neighborhoods in Providence and neighborhoods in Johnston and North Providence.

In 1973, John was instrumental in the General Assembly passage of the Law Enforcement Officer’s Bill of Rights and introduced many acts for the benefit of active and retired police and firefighters in RI. He was a driving force in the enabling legislation for the RI State Lottery, spearheading the creation of the Lottery Commission and earning the nickname "Father of the Lottery." He was later appointed Lottery Director by then Governor Bruce Sundlun and was instrumental in the development of Powerball. He was most proud of his work as legal counsel for the Providence Firefighters Local 799 and has served as Treasurer for the Retired Legislators Association which provides a number of annual scholarships to local high school seniors.

John followed the lead of his parents and siblings and served the community throughout his long and distinguished career. John had a major impact on the lives of so many people and for that we are grateful.

John and Jane enjoyed a love of travel, especially to their condo in Long Boat Key, Florida. Snowmobiling with his brother Bill in NH and Maine was also a favorite winter activity of his. Not a day went by after Jane and Bill’s passing that John did not speak of them fondly and with a tear in his eye. In his later years, John could often be found reminiscing and sharing political views at one of his favorite haunts, (Twin Oaks, the Old Canteen and Cricket’s) accompanied by his good friend and companion, Jan Sweet.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Friday, September 18th, at St. Thomas Church, 65 Fruit Hill Avenue, Providence, RI. A Mass of Christian burial will be at Saturday, September 19th at 9:00 am in the church. Interment with Military Honors will be in the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery in Exeter, RI.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Thomas Church, the Graziano Nursing Scholarship Fund at Salve Regina University, Ochre Point Avenue, Newport, RI or to the Ronald McDonald House would be greatly appreciated.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS BY THE J.F. SKEFFINGTON CHAPEL.

Click Here To View Condolence Messages

J F Skeffington Funeral Home
925 Chalkstone Avenue
Providence, RI 02908
401-331-3900