This 82-Year-Old Man is Still a Warrior for Providence

This 82-Year-Old Man is Still a Warrior for Providence

Make no mistake about it, Wilbur Jennings, Jr., is a physical marvel.

 

The former city worker and two-term Providence City Councilor is still on the watch in the City of Providence. He can be seen interacting with everyone from tourists to the homeless in downtown Providence.

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At 82, Jennings is still working in downtown Providence, taking on some of the most difficult situations for Paolino Properties, patrolling the downtown area.

 

He works with the staff of the Providence Downtown Improvement District (DID) and the Providence Police Department to provide a sense of safety in the often difficult Kennedy Plaza area.

 

The core of downtown is both the hub for tourists and some of the most difficult situations. "We have to deal with everyone," said Jennings.

 

Jennings is often in the middle of it all, trying to keep the calm and the area safe.

 

Where It All Began

Jennings is a product of Providence. He is the oldest of 14 children, and he grew up in the West End of the City. He is the first to admit he grew up “tough.” 

 

He attended Central High School and later went to work for the City of Providence, first in the Sanitation Division and later in the sewer department for over 30 years. He ultimately rose to serve as Superintendent of the Sewer Department.

 

Later, he served for eight years on the Providence City Council. He was a vigilant advocate for his neighborhood. And he took on some of the most influential. In 2016, Jennings called for the immediate resignation of Providence Board of Licenses Chair Juan Pichardo to implement the recommendations of an independent review by former RI Attorney General Jeff Pine, commissioned by the City Council. 

 

“Chairman Pichardo is not qualified to carry out the reforms that the Board of Licenses urgently needs. I call on Mayor Elorza to ask for his immediate resignation so that a suitable replacement can be appointed to carry out the necessary changes proposed in Attorney General Pine’s report,” said Councilman Jennings in 2016. 

 

 

What Makes Jennings Different

When he is not working or with his family, Jennings can be found at the gym lifting hundreds of pounds.

 

He squats more than many seniors weigh.

 

“I hope I can be an inspiration for others my age to stay active and strong,” Jennings told GoLocal. "It is critical to stay active."

 

UCLA Health states, "that lifting weights is essential for seniors to counteract muscle and bone loss. It builds functional independence, enhances balance to help prevent falls, manages chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes, and boosts cognitive function."

 

Jennings takes the guidance seriously. But strong is an understatement. He is strong for a 20-year-old. Besides lifting weights, Jennings, a one-time amateur boxer, also hammers the heavy bag.

 

"I encourage everyone to stay active and stay strong," added Jennings.