A funeral service was held for former Senator Claiborne deBorda Pell, who died January 1, 2009, at the age of 90. The senator, who was active in the creation of the National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities, railroad transportation, and banning nuclear tests, was a long-time chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He was best known for the creation of what were later named Pell Grants for higher education. 

The service was held by the Pell family and the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy at Trinity Episcopal Church in Newport, Rhode Island. The United States Coast Guard provided an honor guard. Former Senator Pell served in the Coast Guard during World War II. Eulogies were given by former President Bill Clinton, Senators Kennedy, Biden, and Reed, and by Nick Pell.