Senate Resolution No. 321

BY: Senator AKSHAR

MOURNING the death of Thomas L. Morrone, prominent
political figure, distinguished citizen and a
devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body, representing the people of the State of New York, is
moved this day to pay tribute to an eminent man of indomitable faith and
dedication whose public service and countless accomplishments will
forever stand as a paradigm and inspiration for others; and

WHEREAS, Thomas L. Morrone, a true pillar in his community of
Norwich, New York, died on Friday, January 15, 2021, at the age of 78;
and

WHEREAS, Thomas L. "Tom" Morrone was born to Leo and Mary (Guiffre)
Morrone on September 30, 1942, in Norwich where he attended city
schools; from a young age, he always had an interest in automobiles, and
was a member of the Flames car club; and

WHEREAS, When he was just 14 years-old, Thomas L. Morrone began his
first job at Christman Motors, and through his many decades of service,
he rose through the ranks from a part-time car cleaner and preparer, to
the dealership's top salesman, then ultimately to president and owner;
devoted to his profession and the safety of all, he served on the Board
of the New York State Automobile Dealers Association where he held the
title of President in 1997, chaired many of its Association's
committees, and served on its executive committee for many years; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his valuable work with the Association,
Thomas L. Morrone was actively involved in local politics and many other
community organizations including the Norwich City Traffic Commission,
the Greater Norwich Local Development Corporation, the Chenango County
20-20 Commission, the Chenango Memorial Hospital Building Fund, Norwich
City School Board of Education, the St. Bartholomew's Church Fundraising
Committee, the Town of Norwich Planning Board, The Northeast Classic Car
Museum's Board of Trustees, NBT Bank's Advisory Board, the Chenango
County Unit of the American Cancer Society, Commerce Chenango and its
Governmental Affairs Committee, and St. Bartholomew's Church, as well as
the Canasawacta Country Club; and

WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to the city he
always called home, Thomas L. Morrone was the recipient of the 2006
Commitment to Community Award by Commerce Chenango and the local Boy
Scouts Baden-Powell Council Distinguished Citizen Award in 2007; and

WHEREAS, On August 24, 1962, Thomas L. Morrone married the love of
his life, the former Sally Owens, and together, they raised three
children; unfortunately, Sally passed away on February 25, 2009; he is
also predeceased by his brother, Fidele Morrone, his second wife, Terry,
and brother-in-law, Eugene Keegan; and

WHEREAS, Thomas L. Morrone is survived by two daughters, MaryAnne
(Jan) and Kimberly (Dave); one son, Thomas L. Jr.; seven grandchildren,

Thomas, Mary Frances (Chris), Abigail, Maggie, Tommy, Katie and Dylan;
one great-grandson, Warren; two sisters, Ann Morrone and Mary Keegan;
one goddaughter/niece, Geneanne (Frank) and their children Ella and
Keegan Smith, and most importantly, his dog, Cooper; and

WHEREAS, With a tireless and unwavering commitment to his community,
Thomas L. Morrone devoted his entire life to making the City of Norwich
a better place for its citizens to live, work and play; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary man lived an immensely beautiful life
built on compassion, kindness, and respect for others; he will be
remembered as one of the most significant and enduring civic and
political leaders in the history of the City of Norwich, and his insight
and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love and hope to the
countless lives he touched; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Thomas L. Morrone, and to express its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further

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