LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Elmo V. Drilling, devoted
teacher and coach, and distinguished member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Elmo V. "Moe" Drilling of Amherst, New York, died on Wednes-
day, June 3, 2009, at the age of 84; and
WHEREAS, Elmo V. Drilling was a math teacher and coach at Bishop Ryan
and Cardinal O'Hara high schools for 32 years; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Amherst, Elmo V. Drilling graduated
from Canisius High School and Canisius College; he was inducted into the
Canisius High Sports Hall of Fame and the Western New York Baseball Hall
of Fame; and
WHEREAS, He started his career in diocesan high schools at Bishop Ryan
in 1954; his coaching career began immediately as he became head varsity
baseball coach that spring; he started coaching varsity football in the
fall of 1954, becoming the head coach in 1960; and
WHEREAS, In 1970, he assumed his new duties as teacher of math, and
head baseball and football coach at Cardinal O'Hara in the Town of Tona-
wanda; he coached two leagues and one overall baseball championship team
and also served as dean of discipline and athletic director; and
WHEREAS, Elmo V. Drilling was among the first class of inductees to
the O'Hara Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005, and the school's annual award
to a gentleman and scholar athlete is named the "Elmo Drilling Award";
he mentored several generations of teenagers, including many who kept in
touch with him over the years; and
WHEREAS, Elmo V. Drilling distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, An Army veteran of World War II and a longtime member of St.
Benedict's Catholic Church, Elmo V. Drilling is survived by his loving
wife of 63 years, Pauline (Cerny) Drilling; his eight children, James H.
(Lynn), Joan M. (Edward) Kader, Michael E., Susan K. Drilling-Fritz,
Karen A., Donna M., Paula A. Drilling-Hunt (Kenneth), and Martha K.
(Wilson) Garrish; 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; and his
brother, Vincent (June) Drilling; as well as several nieces, nephews and
cousins; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Elmo V. Drilling leaves
behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will
remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Elmo V. Drilling, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Elmo V. Drilling.