5 People Influential to Middletown in 2012

The following are listed in alphabetical order.

Ronald Doire

Ronald Doire has served as the fire chief for the Middletown Fire Department since 2009.  During the last elections, he successfully campaigned to pass a $7.5 million bond referendum for renovations to the existing station and public works offices on Wyatt Road, with a zero impact to the tax rate. Doire also serves as the head of the Middletown Emergency Management Team, which coordinates the town's response during emergencies and disasters.   To learn more about Chief Doire, click here.

Carmela Geer

We don’t know how she does it, but if there are two events at the same time, Carmela will be at both of them, armed with a smile, her Nikon camera and a helping hand.  Her commitment to community sees no borders. After Hurricane Sandy devastated Rockaway Beach, Carmela organized a drive to gather supplies and flew them to New York.  To see just some of the ways Carmela has served Middletown and the memories she has preserved, click here.

Christine Haverington

A lifelong student of history and a former professor helped to preserve images and memories of the families that defined Middletown. Christine Haverington authored the book Images of America Middletown, which published over 200 historically significant vintage images of the town.  To read more, click here.

Evan Nesby

Although the life of nine-year old Evan Nesby was cut short, his strength and courage has continued to touch and inspire the community.  Evan passed in February from a rare brain disorder called Moyamoya.  To read Evan’s story, click here.


Chris Semonelli

When State Sen. Lou DiPalma first suggested to Chris Semonelli that he should run for office, Semonelli said he was more of a business man; he did not think he was qualified for public office.  Now in his third term, Semonelli serves as council president for the second time.  He is the driving force behind the Newport County Mentor Co-Op Group, which provides students an opportunity to see real world opportunities available in Rhode Island.  To read more about the council president, click here.


Who do you think has influenced Middletown in 2012? Tell us in the comments!