LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the life of Abraham F. Breehey, distin-
guished public servant and labor representative

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, With deep remorse, this Legislative Body records the tragic
passing of Abraham F. Breehey, on April 14, 2011, at the young age of
34; and
WHEREAS, Born on July 26, 1976, Abraham F. Breehey of Falls Church,
Virginia, attended Seton Catholic Central High School in Binghamton, New
York; he received his bachelor's degree from Siena College in Loudon-
ville, New York, before earning a master's degree in Public Policy from
the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy at the University
at Albany; and
WHEREAS, Abraham F. Breehey distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of others; and
WHEREAS, At the time of his passing, he held the esteemed position of
Director of Legislative Affairs for the International Brotherhood of
Boilermakers in Washington D.C.; and
WHEREAS, Prior to joining the Boilermakers in 2004, he served as the
Legislative Director to New York State Assemblyman Sam Hoyt from January
2000 to September 2001, and then as the Legislative Assistant to Texas
Representative Lloyd Doggett; and
WHEREAS, A leading voice in the labor movement, representing the Boil-
ermakers on issues relating to energy policy and climate change, and
their impact on workers, Abraham F. Breehey often testified before U.S.
Senate Committees and represented the Boilermakers in United Nations
Climate Change negotiations; and
WHEREAS, Also a graduate of the Trade Union Program at Harvard Law
School, serving as Chairman of its Legislative Task Force, Abraham F.
Breehey effectively advised the AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trade
Department; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his distinguished career, Abraham F. Breehey was a
champion for working men and women; his steadfast support and strong
work ethic made him a true leader among his colleagues; and
WHEREAS, He was widely respected for his passion, intellect, and abil-
ity to build consensus across ideological and political lines; to mark
the untimely death of this extraordinary man, members of the United
States Congress arranged to have the American flag lowered to half-mast
over the U.S. Capitol, as did the AFL-CIO over its headquarters; he was
also honored by readings into the Congressional Record; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his numerous professional achievements, Abra-
ham F. Breehey will be remembered for the love and passion he brought
into the lives of his family members and countless friends; and
WHEREAS, A beautiful light in the lives of all those with whom he came
in contact, Abraham F. Breehey's kind and generous heart, coupled with
his warm embrace will truly be missed by all those who had the honor of
knowing him; and
WHEREAS, Abraham F. Breehey is survived by his loving wife, Sonya
(Walter) Breehey; his beautiful daughter, Abigail; parents, Carol and
Raymond Breehey; parents-in-law, Timothy and Kathy Walter; a sister,
Rachel Breehey Mollen and brother-in-law, Kevin Mollen; three nieces,
Julia, Morgan and Sadie; one nephew, William; and his brother-in-law,
Joseph Walter; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Abraham F. Breehey 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
honor the life of Abraham F. Breehey, distinguished public servant and
labor representative; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Abraham F. Breehey.