LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the life of Richard A. Hennessy,
Jr.

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to publicly mourn the passing of
prominent citizens of the State of New York whose purposeful careers and
worthy endeavors have contributed to the quality and character of life
in their communities; and
WHEREAS, Richard A. Hennessy, Jr., a respected lawyer, a former Onon-
daga County District Attorney and a former Syracuse City Court Judge,
passed away on April 19, 2011, at the age of 75; and
WHEREAS, Born in Watervliet, New York, on July 31, 1935, Richard A.
Hennessy, Jr. moved to Syracuse in 1962; and
WHEREAS, Richard A. Hennessy, Jr. attended LaSalle Institute, Siena
College and Albany Law School; and
WHEREAS, Richard A. Hennessy, Jr. clerked in the law offices of John
B. LaParo, Esq. and Hon. Leo F. Hayes and was admitted to the bar in
1969; and
WHEREAS, An assistant district attorney from 1971 to 1976, Richard A.
Hennessy, Jr. served as the Onondaga County District Attorney from 1977
to 1987; and
WHEREAS, Following his tenure as an Onondaga County District Attorney,
Richard A. Hennessy, Jr. went into private practice until he was
appointed Syracuse City Court Judge in 1995, after which he returned to
private practice; and
WHEREAS, A communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church, Richard A. Hennes-
sy, Jr. was a member of the New York State Bar Association, the Onondaga
County Bar Association, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Ameri-
can Legion; he also served as President of both the New York State
District Attorney's Association and the Syracuse Claims Association; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his first wife, Eleanor Hennessy, Richard A.
Hennessy, Jr. is survived by his wife, Christine; daughter, Kristen A.
Hennessy; three sons, Richard A. Hennessy III, Daniel M. Hennessy, and
Matthew Hennessy; a brother, James Hennessy; and three grandchildren,
Jack, Ella and Mace; as well as several nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Richard A. Hennessy, Jr. 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; and
WHEREAS, Recognized as an advocate for the little guy, and someone who
loved his work and his family, Richard A. Hennessy, Jr. will be remem-
bered for his smile and his Irish wit; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the life and illustrious career of former Onondaga County
District Attorney and former Syracuse City Court Judge, Richard A.
Hennessy, Jr.; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of The Honorable Richard A. Hennessy, Jr.