PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Former Rhode Island Lt. Gov. Thomas DiLuglio has died at age 93. His death was confirmed by former Providence Mayor Joe Paolino Jr., a longtime friend. In a statement, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos described DiLuglio as "a dedicated public servant." "So much of his work, such as creating a statewide nuclear evacuation plan, advocating for Rhode Island’s economy both locally and internationally, and founding a state chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is still carried on through our office’s responsibilities," Matos said. "Rhode Island is better off for his service to our state, and I am keeping his many friends and loved ones in my thoughts at this time." Born in 1931, DiLuglio (pronounced "dih-LOOL-io") grew up in Providence and graduated from Classical High School. He went on to Brown University, where he was a track star, then earned a law degree from Boston University. DiLuglio practiced law as a prosecutor and a defense attorney, and was also a businessman with interests in restaurants, nursing homes and the film industry. A Democrat, DiLuglio was elected lieutenant governor in 1976, the same year fellow Democrat Joseph Garrahy was elected governor. He served until 1984, and was later a regular commentator on the long-running Rhode Island PBS political show "A Lively Experiment." Among those who got their political start in DiLuglio's State House office was Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, who served as a young aide to DiLuglio. "Working for Thomas DiLuglio during his term as lieutenant governor was the start of my journey in public life," Ruggerio recalled Wednesday. "He was a good man who cared deeply about Rhode Island, and in addition to his diverse and impressive list of professional achievements, he gave back to his community and our state in so many ways," said Ruggerio, D-North Providence. "I am forever grateful for the opportunity he gave me, and I send my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and loved ones." Retired Providence Journal columnist M. Charles Bakst, who used to appear with DiLuglio on PBS, described him as "one of the brightest pols I ever covered, but also one of the most enigmatic." "Very personable, yet shy and mercurial, famous for appearing at political events and disappearing in the blink of an eye," Bakst wrote on social media, recalling DiLuglio's sometimes tense interactions with reporters. DiLuglio helped arrange the 1992 surrender of notorious credit-union fraudster Joe Mollicone. No services are planned, Paolino said, citing DiLuglio's lifelong preference for privacy despite being in public life. His son, Thomas DiLuglio Jr., also served as a state senator. Ted Nesi ([email protected]) is a Target 12 investigative reporter and 12 News politics/business editor. He co-hosts Newsmakers and writes Nesi's Notes on Saturdays. Connect with him on Twitter, Bluesky and Facebook. Anita Baffoni contributed to this report.