LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Leon Ulysses Thomas of
Waverly, New York, 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, Leon Ulysses Thomas of Waverly, New York, died on Friday,
April 27, 2012, at the age of 84; and
WHEREAS, A pillar of the community, Leon Ulysses Thomas was well-known
for his many years of dedicated and distinguished service on the Tioga
County Legislature; he was first elected to the Tioga County Legislature
in 1972 and served for 29 years; and
WHEREAS, Among his many notable achievements, Leon Ulysses Thomas was
instrumental in establishing the Tioga County Department of Economic
Development; he was also responsible for the creation of the veterans'
memorial which stands proudly in the Tioga County Courthouse Square; and
WHEREAS, Employed for 24 years at IBM Owego, Leon Ulysses Thomas began
at entry level on the line and worked his way through the ranks, retir-
ing as a project manager, supervising the entire third shift; and
WHEREAS, Leon Ulysses Thomas had a distinguished military career; he
served in the United States Navy during World War II, as well as in the
Korean War and Vietnam conflict; during his 20 years of military
service, he worked as a deep-sea diver in a mine disposal unit; and
WHEREAS, During his Navy service, Leon Ulysses Thomas traveled the
entire world and sailed every ocean; he served on the USS Helena, USS
Dixie, USS Calhoun County, and USS Implicit, and retired with the rank
of Chief Boatswain's Mate in 1964; and
WHEREAS, Leon Ulysses Thomas served as a stunt double for actor Tyrone
Power in the movie, "American Guerrilla in the Philippines"; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Leon Ulysses Thomas served as past commander of
the American Legion in Waverly, New York, and was a member of the Mason-
ic Lodge Council Chapter Consistory of Binghamton, reaching the highest
degree; he was also a member of the Last Man's Club, the Waverly Fire
Department, the Waverly Sports Hall of Fame, Moose Club, Elks Lodge and
VFW; and
WHEREAS, One of the favorite memberships of Leon Ulysses Thomas was
ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out), which met every morning at Becky's
Diner in Waverly, New York; and
WHEREAS, Leon Ulysses Thomas is survived by his loving wife of 32
years, Charlotte; his blended family includes his surviving daughters,
Michelle Kopper and husband Steve; and Jody D'Aloisio; and by surviving
sons, Patrick Thomas and wife Kathy; and John Thomas and wife Jamie; and
WHEREAS, Leon Ulysses Thomas is also survived by Charlotte's children:
Laurie Cocco, John Johnson and wife Jackie; Charlee Garcia and husband,
Val; Kimberly Johnson; and Scott Johnson and wife Tracy; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Leon Ulysses Thomas is survived by his loving
grandchildren: Stephanie Falls and husband Mike; Adam Kopper; Ryan
Kopper; Nick D'Aloisio; Tia D'Aloisio; Justin Thomas; Trevor Thomas;
Reagan Trayner; Thomas Cocco; and Jon-Bryan Seuss; as well as by his
three great-grandchildren, Padraig Falls, Nick and Ryan Cocco; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his sisters Louise Brewer, Elizabeth Sullivan,
and Peggy Champion, Leon Ulysses Thomas is also survived by one brother,
John Thomas of California, and by numerous nieces and nephews who knew
him as "Uncle Leaky"; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Leon Ulysses Thomas 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; he will
be remembered as someone who made a positive difference in the lives of
others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Leon Ulysses Thomas, 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 Leon Ulysses Thomas.