LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of New York State Assemblyman
Thomas J. Kirwan, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his commu-
nity

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly the
death of prominent citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and
civic endeavor served to enhance the quality of life in this great
Empire State; and
WHEREAS, New York State Assemblyman Thomas J. Kirwan, of Newburgh, New
York, died on November 28, 2011, at the age of 78; and
WHEREAS, Thomas J. Kirwan was born in Newburgh, New York, and never
left the city he loved, graduating from Newburgh Free Academy; he
continued his education and received a Bachelor of Arts in History and
Political Science from Mount Saint Mary College, also located in
Newburgh; and
WHEREAS, Thomas J. Kirwan served 28 years in the New York State
Police, retiring as a Lieutenant in the Bureau of Criminal Investi-
gations; and
WHEREAS, He spent the last four years of his police career in Manhat-
tan as a member of the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force investigat-
ing mid- to upper-level drug dealers in New York City; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to his community, Thomas J. Kirwan was a member of
the Board of Directors of Our Lady of Comfort, a shelter for homeless
women, and was a member of the civic organization UNICO in Newburgh,
participating in various charitable projects; and
WHEREAS, From 1995 until 2008, Assemblyman Thomas J. Kirwan repres-
ented the 100th Assembly District which is comprised of the Town and
City of Newburgh in Orange County, the cities of Beacon and Poughkeepsie
in Dutchess County, and the Ulster County towns of Marlboro, Lloyd and
Shawangunk; and
WHEREAS, An exceptional lawmaker, Assemblyman Thomas J. Kirwan was
instrumental in the creation and passage of the School Tax Relief
Program (STAR), the Sexual Assault Reform Act of 2000, and a law requir-
ing civil confinement of violent sexual predators; and
WHEREAS, Additionally, Assemblyman Thomas J. Kirwan authored bills
that would replace the school property tax to help senior citizens,
farmers, young families and others who need relief the most; require New
York's elected officials to list and identify any sources of outside
income earned in excess of $100; and allow recall elections in New York
State; and
WHEREAS, Best known for his candor, Assemblyman Thomas J. Kirwan
co-hosted a Kingston talk radio show in the mid-1990s with John Guerin,
a close friend who was also a state assemblyman at the time; they
debated controversial topics as well as conducted interviews with famous
authors; and
WHEREAS, Thomas J. Kirwan is survived by his wife, Verna, two chil-
dren, Victoria and Matthew, and his two grandchildren, Peter and
Matthew; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Thomas J. Kirwan 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 Thomas J. Kirwan, 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 Thomas J. Kirwan.