Senate Resolution No. 1624

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Thomas and Alice Connors upon the
occasion of celebrating their 68th Wedding
Anniversary

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes great pleasure in paying
tribute to flourishing marriages that have stood the test of time and
serve as a paradigm for present and future generations; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to congratulate
Thomas and Alice Connors upon the occasion of celebrating their 68th
Wedding Anniversary on Sunday, April 12, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Residents of Deerfield, New York, since 2005, Thomas and
Alice (Havey) Connors met more than 70 years ago when they were ice
skating near their homes in Massachusetts; after their wedding and
honeymoon, the couple resided in Massachusetts where they spent 41 years
raising their five children, Debbie, Thomas, Michael, Alyssa, and Mary
Ellen; and

WHEREAS, In 1989, Thomas Connors and other concerned citizens
established a soup kitchen named Open Table where he and Alice
volunteered as servers for a decade; this well-established facility
still operates today; they also volunteered their services at another
soup kitchen, Hope House, for ten years; and

WHEREAS, For 32 years, Thomas and Alice Connors conducted weekly
group sessions for 25 men at a prison where participants were encouraged
to talk about their deepest emotions with the couple who would share
their own coping skills; and

WHEREAS, Thomas and Alice Connors' devotion to their Catholic faith
also inspired their involvement in various church ministries, including
their service as facilitators for the Rite of Christian Initiation for
Adults (RCIA) which prepares individuals wishing to join the Catholic
Church; they served in this role for 20 years; and

WHEREAS, Through the years, Thomas and Alice Connors enjoyed the
growth of their family, welcoming eight grandchildren; their unwavering
commitment to their faith and each other has been a profound influence;
the couple's dedication, caring, and respect for each other has been
passed down through subsequent generations; and

WHEREAS, The love, devotion, and caring Thomas and Alice Connors
have shown to their family, friends, and all who know them are their
hallmark and tradition; this meaningful occasion is the result of the
love, hard work, and spirit they have invested in their happy marriage;
and

WHEREAS, In September 2025, a surprise 90th birthday celebration for
Thomas Connors was a testament to the steadfast support of the entire
family who organized and attended the event in Utica, some members
traveling thousands of miles from California; and

WHEREAS, Thomas and Alice Connors have touched the lives of their
family and many friends through the shining example of their marriage
which is a testament to their devotion and admiration for each other;
the longevity of this enduring marriage truly marks a milestone in
life's journey, an event of personal triumph and joy; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that, when an
occasion of such importance is brought to our attention, the same should
be memorialized by us for the edification and emulation of others; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Thomas and Alice Connors upon the occasion of celebrating
their 68th Wedding Anniversary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Thomas and Alice Connors.