A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS PROFOUND SORROW UPON THE PASSING OF MICHAEL DEL PRIORE, TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS, AND TO HONOR HIS MEMORY ON WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN HIS SEVENTIETH BIRTHDAY.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Michael Del Priore on May 26, 2020. January 16, 2024 would have been his seventieth birthday; and

 

Whereas, a native of Fork Shoals, Mr. Del Priore was born in 1964 in Columbia. He was a graduate of Columbia High School; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Del Priore began his career producing art for The State newspaper, producing advertising art content for J.B. White's department store, and doing freelance art for local businesses. He was then taught by the established and acclaimed portrait artist, Gian Cassone, from whom he learned much of his skill, before moving to Charleston to study under renowned oil painting artist Ray Goodbred; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Del Priore's career was launched when he won a contest sponsored by The State newspaper by submitting an oil painting of former governor Strom Thurmond to be displayed in the Senate chamber of the South Carolina state house; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Del Priore was recognized as one of America's foremost portrait artists. He completed over eight hundred fifty oil paintings over the course of his forty-year career, immortalizing members of Congress, Supreme Court justices, governors, clergy, educators, physicians, and other significant leaders; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Del Priore's noteworthy portraits included those of President Ronald Reagan, Microsoft CEO Bill Gates, and former Speaker of the House, Representative John Boehner. Thirteen of his portraits are displayed in the United States House of Representative chambers and ten are displayed in the South Carolina state house collection. Twenty-four of his paintings are listed in the National Portrait Gallery Catalog of American Portraits. Before his passing, he was commissioned by Governor Henry McMaster to paint a portrait of him and his wife, Mrs. Peggy McMaster; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Del Priore's work and accomplishments will continue to live for generations to come. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

 

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, express profound sorrow upon the passing of Michael Del Priore, extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends, and honor his memory on what would have been his seventieth birthday.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Michael Del Priore.

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