LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of William F. Walsh, distin-
guished citizen and devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recogni-
tion and just tribute to individuals who distinguish themselves through
their unremitting commitment and preeminence of service; one such indi-
vidual is William F. Walsh, who died on January 8, 2011; and
WHEREAS, William F. Walsh was born on July 11, 1912, and was a gradu-
ate of Most Holy Rosary before receiving his Bachelor's degree from St.
Bonaventure University, and a Masters degree from the University of
Buffalo; and
WHEREAS, From an early age, William Walsh had a natural affinity for
leadership and politics and was named senior class president at both
Most Holy Rosary and St. Bonaventure University; and
WHEREAS, William Walsh served his country as a member of the United
States Army for five years, receiving an honorable discharge with the
rank of Captain in 1946; and
WHEREAS, For 50 years, William Walsh was married to the late Mary
Dorsey Walsh, and together they raised seven children on Syracuse's
Tipperary Hill; and
WHEREAS, William Walsh spent his life in numerous public service posi-
tions including New York State Commission Against Discrimination, Onon-
daga County Commissioner of Welfare, New York State Public Service
Commissioner, Mayor of Syracuse and as a member of the United States
House of Representatives; and
WHEREAS, As Syracuse's Mayor from 1961 to 1969, William Walsh oversaw
the building of many important city landmarks including The Everson
Museum of Art and the AXA Towers; and
WHEREAS, William Walsh served as Mayor during the pivotal decade of
the civil rights movement which led to many long-lasting changes for the
City of Syracuse including the beginning of the desegregation of city
schools; and
WHEREAS, After gaining prominence as vice president of the U.S.
Conference of Mayors; William Walsh was elected to Congress in 1972,
where he served the 33rd Congressional District for three terms until he
retired in 1979; and
WHEREAS, In 1999, the William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center
in Syracuse was named in his honor; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his life, William Walsh was known as an avid
sportsman, with a lifelong passion for golf and fishing; and
WHEREAS, William Walsh will always be remembered as an honest man with
a great deal of integrity, who served his country with distinction and
grace; and
WHEREAS, The long-term impact of this dedicated public servant will
continue to be felt by the Central New York Region for generations to
come; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, William Walsh 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; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of William F. Walsh, 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 William F. Walsh.