LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Thomas Strahle upon the occasion of
receiving the 2009 Caritas Award from the Catholic Charities Community
Services of Orange County on March 24, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves
through their exemplary careers, accomplishments, and purposeful lives
of service to their community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Thomas Strahle upon the occasion of receiving the 2009 Caritas Award
from the Catholic Charities Community Services of Orange County at its
3rd Annual Celebration of Charity to be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2009,
at Anthony's Pier 9, New Windsor, New York; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Thomas Strahle serves as an
extraordinary example of one who demonstrates a deep respect for the
dignity of every individual by serving the basic needs of the most
vulnerable in our midst and by significantly contributing to the build-
ing of a compassionate and just society; and
WHEREAS, Thomas Strahle has worked for over 20 years in the Hudson
Valley at Pepsi Cola located in Newburgh, New York; an exemplary leader,
he serves the company as the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer;
he also sits on the Pepsi National Retail Sales Committee for the Inde-
pendent Bottler's Association; and
WHEREAS, Thomas Strahle has been called upon to contribute his time
and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always
given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, He is an active member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish,
where he is a Lector, Commentator and Eucharistic Minister; he is
currently the Chairman of the Pastoral Council and the Lay Director of
the Men's Cornerstone Retreat for 2009; from 1979 to 1992, he was active
in the Serra Club in the Archdiocese of Newark and served as Governor
for the last two years; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Thomas Strahle was a Board member of Pius the
XII Youth and Family Services from 1993 until it was succeeded by
Catholic Charities Community Service; he currently serves as a Board
member for Catholic Charities Community Services and is Chair of the
Development Committee; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of St. Bonaventure University, Thomas Strahle
earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy; he later received his
Master's degree in Business Administration from Monmouth University; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 31 years, Catherine
DeSantis, their children, Jennifer and Andy Odden, Elizabeth and David
Kane, Kevin Strahle and Mary Kate Strahle, all of whom feel privileged
to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by Thomas
Strahle over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned our
recognition and applause; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Thomas Strahle upon the occasion of receiving the 2009 Caritas
Award from the Catholic Charities Community Services of Orange County;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Thomas Strahle.