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Massachusetts State Rep. Gailanne Cariddi Dies At Age 63

Late State Rep. Cariddi
Jim Levulis
/
WAMC

Gailanne Cariddi, a state representative from North Adams, has died.

Cariddi, the 1st Berkshire District state representative from North Adams, died Saturday morning at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. North Adams Mayor Richard Alcombright says the region lost an icon.

"I had the honor and pleasure of working with Gail over the past 18 years both on the North Adams City Council and most recently in her role as our representative.  Gail certainly loved politics but her desire to serve people far outweighed any political ambitions.  Gail was a true public servant in every sense.  Everyone knew Gail….and she knew everyone.  Her work and her passion were to simply help people as evidenced by her many, many years in public life.  Gail truly made a positive difference in the lives of all she came into contact with," Alcombright says.

State Senator Adam Hinds says Cariddi was a powerful and compassionate leader.

State Representative Paul Mark, of the 2nd Berkshire District, says he will truly miss his "teammate."

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WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief JD Allen spoke with State Representative Paul Mark about him and Cariddi learning the ropes of state leadership together.

Carddi was the first woman to hold that seat, and the second woman from Berkshire County to hold a seat in the state Legislature. The Democrat was serving her fourth term. 

State Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier, of the 3rd Berkshire District, says Cariddi always put her district.

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WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief JD Allen spoke with State Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier about Cariddi's tenacity.

State Representative Smitty Pignatelli, of the 4th Berkshire District, says ultimately he lost a lifelong friend. Pignatelli says Cariddi had breast cancer.

jallen_6-17_1-on-1_cariddi_pignatelli_web.mp3
WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief JD Allen spoke with State Representative Smitty Pignatelli about old memories getting into politics together in the Berkshires.

Former North Adams Mayor John Barrett says Cariddi's career in politics started on the North Adams City Council where she served for 21 years. 

jallen_6-17_1-on-1_cariddi_barrett_web.mp3
WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief JD Allen spoke with former North Adams Mayor John Barrett about Cariddi's time on the city council.

When Cariddi was first elected into the House in 2010, former State Senator Ben Downing says it was her leadership that got projects, including the funding for MASS MoCA's Building 6, off the ground.

jallen_6-17_1-on-1_cariddi_downing_web.mp3
WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief JD Allen spoke with former State Senator Ben Downing about Cariddi's determination to get MASS MoCA its funding for Building 6.

Cariddi was 63.