LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Father Richard O'Neill upon the occa-
sion of celebrating the 60th Anniversary of his Ordination to the
Priesthood

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in
this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the faithful
concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their energies
and purpose to the ministry of others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recog-
nition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish themselves
and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of
service; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Father Rich-
ard O'Neill upon the occasion of celebrating the 60th Anniversary of his
Ordination to the Priesthood; and
WHEREAS, A 1946 graduate of St. Patrick's High School in Syracuse, New
York, Father Richard O'Neill's home parish is St. Brigid's in Syracuse;
and
WHEREAS, He studied for the priesthood at St. Andrew's and St.
Bernard's Seminaries in Rochester and was ordained at the Cathedral of
the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse on February 2, 1954; and
WHEREAS, Father Richard O'Neill has served as parochial vicar at St.
Christopher's in Binghamton, St. Francis de Sales in Utica and St. James
in Syracuse, and as pastor at St. Theresa in New Berlin, St. Francis de
Sales, St. Francis in Durhamville, Holy Cross in New London, St. Mark's
in Utica, and St. Mary's in Utica; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Father Richard O'Neill served as chaplain at the
Central New York Psychiatric Center in Marcy and as spiritual director
to the Legion of Mary in Utica; and
WHEREAS, Father Richard O'Neill retired in 2006, but continues to
celebrate Masses at St. Joseph-St. Patrick's Church and at nursing homes
in Utica; and
WHEREAS, Father Richard O'Neill has brought to his ministry an over-
whelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and
enlightenment in conducting his administrative and spiritual duties,
while always displaying the highest standards of personal and profes-
sional integrity and dedication; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God has always given enlightenment,
guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and has adminis-
tered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and corporal needs of
all; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is
appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that indi-
vidual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Father Richard O'Neill upon the occasion of celebrating the 60th
Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood, noting his unremitting
and compassionate faith and his exemplary service to God, man, and his
community, and extending to him the heartfelt best wishes of this Legis-
lative Body for a future of purposeful success and well-being: and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Father Richard O'Neill.