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Herbert DeSimone, former R.I. attorney general; at 84

PROVIDENCE — Herbert F. DeSimone, a former state attorney general who ran unsuccessfully for governor and later headed the state Department of Transportation, has died.

His daughter-in-law confirmed Friday that he had died, but no details were available.

Mr. DeSimone, who was 84, served two terms as attorney general and ran unsuccessfully for governor in 1970 and 1972.

The Providence Journal reported that Mr. DeSimone, a Republican, proposed creating the departments of Economic and Community Development and Environmental Management in 1972. His opponent ridiculed the ideas, but economic development and environmental management departments were eventually established in state government.

Philip Noel, the Democrat who won the 1972 race, called Mr. DeSimone a good friend and very capable opponent.

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Noel said the two were friends during the 1972 campaign and remained friends afterward.