LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Pastor Thomas J. McDonald,
Sr., distinguished citizen and devoted 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, Pastor Thomas J. McDonald, Sr. of Owego, New York died on
Wednesday, December 21, 2011, at the age of 77; and
WHEREAS, Thomas J. McDonald, Sr. was born on November 7, 1934 in
Dunmore, Pennsylvania, to the late Joseph Patrick and Genevieve (Roche)
McDonald; and
WHEREAS, Upon earning his bachelor of science in physics from the
University of Scranton, Thomas J. McDonald, Sr. began his career in the
defense and aerospace industry; and
WHEREAS, Thomas J. McDonald, Sr. worked at Martin-Marietta and later
IBM, Owego, where he retired after 24 years of service; and
WHEREAS, After retirement, Thomas J. McDonald, Sr. continued on to
earn his master's degree and doctorate in business management; he later
founded McDonald Consulting, which counseled numerous aerospace compa-
nies; and
WHEREAS, In 1983, Pastor Thomas J. McDonald, Sr. and his wife began
Gateway Ministries, and later established the Sword and the Spirit
Christian Fellowship; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Thomas J. McDonald, Sr. distinguished himself in his
profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to
the welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, In his role as Pastor, Thomas J. McDonald, Sr. oversaw the
construction of the church and served there as Senior Pastor; the focus
of his ministry was to disciple young men and women; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Thomas J. McDonald, Sr. also authored two books;
SUDDENLY and THE SEPARATION; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Thomas J. McDonald, Sr.'s commitment to excellence,
and his spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Pastor Thomas J. McDonald, Sr. is survived by his wife, Mari-
lou McDonald; his five children, Dr. Thomas, Jr. (Robin) McDonald, Mary
Genevieve (Robert) Beirne, Timothy (Jennifer) McDonald, Daniel (Kath-
leen) McDonald, and Edward (Amy) McDonald; his 12 grandchildren, Megan,
Melissa, Cristyn, Timothy, Jr., Matthew, Sarah, Mary Kathryn, Daniel,
Jr., Edward, Jr., John, James, and Erin; his sister, Elizabeth Cuff;
sister-in-law, Jane McDonald; as well as many nieces and nephews; he was
predeceased by his brother, Joseph McDonald, and brother-in-law, Patrick
Cuff; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Pastor Thomas J. McDonald, Sr. 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 Pastor Thomas J. McDonald, Sr., 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 Pastor Thomas J. McDonald, Sr.