For His Passion to Improve the Lives of Iron Rangers and All Minnesotans
Says He Was Known for His Larger-Than-Life Personality, Selfless Work Ethic,
And Fierce and Effective Advocacy for Iron Range Jobs, Families, Communities
St. Paul, MN– Senate DFL Leader Melisa López Franzen (DFL-Edina) released the following statement on behalf of the DFL Caucus following the death of longtime Minnesota State Senator David Tomassoni (I-Chisholm), who served in the Legislature since 1992:
“Senator Dave Tomassoni was a giant presence at the Minnesota State Capitol for decades and he will be sorely missed by everyone he touched. His larger-than-life personality endeared himself to colleagues on every side of the aisle, and it helped him do so much to improve the lives – not only of the people and communities he represented on the Iron Range – but for all Minnesotans. He was successful because he built bridges and worked collaboratively and with dignity, love, and respect, even during the most contentious of debates. He had one goal: serving Minnesota and the people who sent him to St. Paul.”
“He’ll be remembered for his fierce and effective advocacy for Iron Range mining and jobs, and his tireless work to make life better for the families, schools, businesses, and communities he represented. Although he lost his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), in his last few months, he bravely and selflessly kept working. This year, he pushed through funding for research into the disease – even though he knew it likely would not help him personally, but rather would help others suffering from ALS in the future.”
“As a Minnesotan, Sen. Tomassoni also loved hockey and is remembered for being a star hockey player at Chisholm High School. He eventually played professionally in Italy and true to his family roots, also was a member of the Italian Olympic Hockey team in 1984.”
“Our thoughts go out to his wife Charlotte, his three children and six grandchildren for their loss. Minnesota has lost a giant who skillfully and passionately improved the lives of people across the state.”
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