Senate Resolution No. 2709

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Thomas Barry Jr. posthumously upon the
occasion of his induction into the Catholic School
Hall of Fame by the Catholic Schools Association of
Rome

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals within the State of New York who gave of
their time and energies in support of spiritual endeavors which aim to
benefit the community at large; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Barry Jr. not only gave of his time and energies but
also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently is
designated for special honor; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Thomas Barry
Jr. posthumously upon the occasion of his induction into the Catholic
School Hall of Fame by the Catholic Schools Association of Rome, to be
presented to his family during its 3rd Annual induction ceremony on
Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Teugega Country Club, Rome, New York; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion recognizes persons influential to
local Catholic schools and the positive influence these individuals have
had on their communities; Thomas Barry Jr. was one such individual; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Barry Jr. attended Transfiguration Catholic School,
St. Mary's Middle School and Rome Catholic High School, where he was
Captain of both his football and basketball teams; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to his community, Thomas Barry Jr. helped to
organize and run the Rome City Recreation Department's Summer and Fall
basketball leagues, and became part of the Rome Lady Rebels, an AAU
basketball program where he served as board member and president; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, he established the Annual Shamrock Shootout
girls basketball tournament, and served as President of the RFA Girls
Basketball Booster Club for three years; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Barry Jr. also served as the President of the
Michele Adey Fund, raising tens of thousands of dollars for the families
of local children suffering from serious illnesses or injuries; and

WHEREAS, For nearly 40 years, Thomas Barry Jr. was a fulltime
employee of Niagara Mohawk/National Grid; he managed to balance family,
faith, coaching, volunteering, organizing, and his job; and

WHEREAS, A man of indomitable faith, Thomas Barry Jr. served as a
Lector at Transfiguration Church; and

WHEREAS, The humble work of this quiet gentleman helped those around
him to share in and feel the true joy in all that he did and
accomplished; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Barry Jr. was a loyal, reliable, lovable friend,
always willing to do whatever it took to get the job done; he dedicated
more than 40 years of service to the Rome sports community as an
athlete, a coach, a mentor, an administrator, an organizer, role model
and volunteer, with a combined total of over 25 years of coaching at
Rome Catholic High School and Rome Free Academy; and

WHEREAS, While Thomas Barry Jr. was passionate about many things,
above all else, his fondest memories were made alongside his wife,
Crystal, and while coaching his daughters, Kelly and Tricia; he was
truly both their coach and their biggest fan; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Thomas Barry Jr. upon the occasion of his induction into the
Catholic School Hall of Fame by the Catholic Schools Association of
Rome; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Thomas Barry Jr.