Senate Resolution No. 1339

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Tom Gifford posthumously upon the
occasion of being inducted into the Rome Sports Hall
of Fame on July 30, 2023

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
outstanding athletes who have distinguished themselves through their
exceptional performance, attaining unprecedented success and the highest
level of personal achievement; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Tom Gifford posthumously upon the occasion of being inducted into the
Rome Sports Hall of Fame on Sunday, July 30, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Every year, the Rome Sports Hall of Fame publicly commends
the pursuit of athletic excellence, recognizes those who have excelled,
and strives to preserve Rome's rich athletic heritage; Tom Gifford is
truly deserving of this prestigious award; and

WHEREAS, A gifted three sport player who stood out in football,
basketball, and baseball at Rome Catholic High, Tom Gifford achieved
many highlights in his four year RCH career; and

WHEREAS, In 1965, Tom Gifford guided Rome Catholic High to an
undefeated football season as starting quarterback and defensive back;
then, in 1968 he was selected as a Iroquois League All Star in
Basketball and Baseball; and

WHEREAS, Tom Gifford won the RCH Basketball scoring title with 382
points under 1999 RSHF Inductee, Frank Didio; and

WHEREAS, Truly dedicated to his athleticism, Tom Gifford batted .675
and .571 for the Smith Post American Legion Baseball Team; and

WHEREAS, Being recognized as a top athlete, Tom Gifford received a
partial Division 1 Baseball scholarship to Holy Cross; he played third
base and center field for the Crusaders in 1969, 1970, 1971 and missed
1972 due to injury for the Crusaders; and

WHEREAS, With a batting average of .368 in 1969, Tom Gifford was
nominated for the Florida State All Tournament team after batting .400
when playing against Florida State, Illinois, and Maryland in 1970; and

WHEREAS, After college graduation, Tom Gifford returned to Rome to
work with a local firm before starting a career in the sales building
industry; and

WHEREAS, Sports remaining an important piece of his life, Tom
Gifford enjoyed teaching his children athletic activities and coaching
his son's little league, senior little league teams, and daughter's
softball team; and

WHEREAS, Sadly Tom Gifford passed away on September 26, 2020 at the
age of 70; his wife Mary preceded him in death on December 6, 2016 and
he leaves behind his daughter Amanda, son Tom, two grandchildren, and
brother James; and

WHEREAS, Tom Gifford has clearly made a contribution to the spirit
of excellence which is a tradition of his Rome community; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such outstanding athletic accomplishments are brought to
our attention, they should be 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 Tom Gifford posthumously upon the occasion of being inducted into
the Rome Sports Hall of Fame on July 30, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Tom Gifford.