With some of the advance work done, I am soon to begin a leave of absence from The Providence Journal to begin the research into the first (and exclusive) biography of Claiborne Pell, who won an improbable victory in his first try at elective office, in 1960, and went on to serve six terms -- 36 years -- as senator from Rhode Island. I am writing with the cooperation of the Pell family, starting with Nuala Pell, widow of Claiborne, who died of Parkinson's Disease at the age of 90 on Jan. 1, 2009. For a look at this distinguished man's life, read John Mulligan's fine obituary in The Providence Journal.
Or, read the obituary published by The New York Times, one of many other media outlets that marked his passing.
I knew Claiborne for many years, and toward the end of his life wrote an extensive story, illustrated with photos and a beautiful scrap-book slideshow, in the April 10, 2005 Projo.
I also covered Claiborne's funeral, at which he was eulogized by former president Bill Clinton, vice president-elect Joe Biden the late Teddy Kennedy, and Claiborne's successor, Sen. Jack Reed. Read the story.
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The Life and Times of Senator Claiborne Pell.
A biography of the legendary and long-serving U.S. Senator Claiborne Pell, of Newport, Rhode Island, father of the Pell Grant program and many other initiatives. A book by G. Wayne Miller, published in October 2011 by University Press of New England. Visit the book site.
