LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Thomas J. Horan posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of the Sister Gail Rieth Volun-
teer Award by Circles of Mercy on June 8, 2016

WHEREAS, Individuals who gave of their time and energies and served the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, Thomas J. Horan gave not only of his time and energies but
also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has
been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Thomas J.
Horan posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Sister Gail Rieth Volunteer Award by Circles of Mercy, to be cele-
brated at its Annual Signature Fundraising Gala, "A Taste of Mercy," on
Wednesday, June 8, 2016, at Shaker Ridge Country Club, Loudonville, New
York; and
WHEREAS, The theme for this year's event is "Continuing the Mercy
Tradition"; and
WHEREAS, Circles of Mercy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy Northeast
Community, is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the communi-
ty by working to end the cycle of poverty, especially among women and
women with children; and
WHEREAS, This vital organization honors the dignity of each person by
offering hospitality and providing services, compassion, stewardship,
leadership and collaboration, which is performed in an effort to instill
hope and empower individuals to reach their full potential; and
WHEREAS, Thomas J. Horan was born in Albany, New York, to the late
Elizabeth and Daniel Horan; after graduating from Vincentian Institute
in 1965, he attended the Albany College of Pharmacy; and
WHEREAS, For 37 years, Thomas J. Horan held the position of Identifi-
cation Specialist II for the New York State Division of Criminal Justice
Services; and
WHEREAS, Thomas J. Horan graciously contributed his time and talents
to countless civic and charitable endeavors and always gave of himself
unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Schodack, New York, for the last 35 years,
Thomas J. Horan was a Lifetime member of the Rensselaer Elks B.P.O.E.
No. 2073 and a devoted volunteer of CoNSERNS-U and Circles of Mercy,
both in Rensselaer; and
WHEREAS, Thomas J. Horan served as a communicant of the Church of the
Holy Spirit in East Greenbush, New York, where he also volunteered in
many capacities; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Thomas J. Horan stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, When he was not working or helping someone, Thomas J. Horan
enjoyed playing cards, shooting darts with his friends at the Elks, and
hitting the links, especially at the Sleasman Family "Junie" Open; and
WHEREAS, After a courageous battle with cancer, Thomas J. Horan died
on Thursday, December 24, 2015, at the age of 68; and
WHEREAS, Thomas J. Horan is survived by his wife of 41 years, the
former Rosemary Sleasman; his son, Jason (Courtney); one grandson, Lucas
Robert; one brother, Patrick (Joan); and as two sisters, Kathleen and
Mary Ellen; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-ne-
phews, cousins, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and many dear friends;
and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Thomas J. Horan displayed throughout
his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Thomas J. Horan posthumously upon the occasion of his designation
as recipient of the Sister Gail Rieth Volunteer Award by Circles of
Mercy on June 8, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Thomas J. Horan.