LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of James R. Hillery, distin-
guished 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, James R. Hillery of Buffalo, New York, died on April 16,
2015, at the age of 81; and
WHEREAS, A native of South Buffalo, James R. Hillery was a member of
the first graduating class at Bishop Timon High School; he then went on
to attend St. Bonaventure University; and
WHEREAS, James R. Hillery distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, A dedicated physical education teacher for over three
decades, James R. Hillery also coached baseball, basketball, and hockey
at various stages of his career; and
WHEREAS, James R. Hillery's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including char-
itable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, A former athlete and avid sports fan, James R. Hillery was a
basketball official for 35 years and the starter at Cazenovia Golf
Course for 17 years; and
WHEREAS, In addition, James R. Hillery managed the scholarship named
after his father, ran an annual golf tournament, and held sneaker drives
for children in need; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, Judge John D. and Eva Prentis
Hillery; and three siblings, Jane, John D. Jr., and Barbara, James R.
Hillery is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen; nine children, James
(Peggy), Joseph (Ann), John (Denise), Mary Beth, Margaret (Michael),
Mark (Elaine), Michael (Kelly), David (Katie) and Karen (James); 31
grandchildren; and one great-grandchild, as well as his sister, Mary;
and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, James R. Hillery 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 James R. Hillery, 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 James R. Hillery.