LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of John F. McGillicuddy

WHEREAS, The State of New York is greatly saddened to mourn the deaths
of its esteemed residents; and
WHEREAS, John F. McGillicuddy passed away on January 4, 2009, at the
age of 78; and
WHEREAS, John was the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Chemical Bank and its predecessor, Manufacturers Hanover Corporation;
and
WHEREAS, He earned his A.B. degree, cum laude, from Princeton Univer-
sity, where he was also a member of the 1950 and 1951 undefeated foot-
ball teams; and
WHEREAS, John also earned a law degree from Harvard Law School in
1955, and received honorary degrees from countless colleges and univer-
sities; and
WHEREAS, He served his country honorably as a Lieutenant in the United
States Navy; and
WHEREAS, John practiced as an attorney with the New York City law firm
of Simpson Thacher and Bartlett before beginning his distinguished
career in banking with Manufacturers Hanover in 1958; and
WHEREAS, In 1971, at the age of 40, he was elected President of
Manufacturers Hanover Corporation and Manufacturers Hanover Trust Compa-
ny; he was one of the youngest executives in the American financial
industry to run a major money center bank; and
WHEREAS, In 1979, John was named Chairman and CEO of both organiza-
tions; and
WHEREAS, He was instrumental in the merger of Manufacturers Hanover
Corporation and Chemical Banking Corporation in 1991; and
WHEREAS, John served as Chairman and CEO of Chemical Bank until his
retirement in 1993; and
WHEREAS, He helped to provide assistance to New York City during its
fiscal crisis in the 1970s; he also was a trusted advisor to two Ameri-
can presidents; and
WHEREAS, John contributed his time to countless local and national
organizations, too numerous to list in their entirety; and
WHEREAS, He is survived by his loving wife, Constance; five children,
Michael, Faith, Constance, Brian, and John; six grandchildren; and a
sister, Mary Jean O'Connell; and
WHEREAS, John will always be remembered for his compassion, wisdom,
and immense impact on the financial industry; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of John F. McGillicuddy; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of the late John F. McGillicuddy.