LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the life and distinguished career of
Nassau Supreme Court Judge Thomas Phelan

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to publicly mourn the death of
those distinguished citizens who would devote themselves to public
service, demonstrating great courage and diligence in providing for the
care and welfare of the citizens of their communities and this great
Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Respected Nassau Supreme Court Judge Thomas Phelan of Ocean-
side, New York, died on Thursday, February 12, 2015, at the age of 69;
and
WHEREAS, Thomas Phelan was born in Brooklyn, New York, and at the
young age of three, the Phelan family moved to Oceanside, New York; and
WHEREAS, Prior to earning his law degree from New York Law School,
Thomas Phelan received a Bachelor of Arts degree from The State Univer-
sity of New York at Stony Brook; and
WHEREAS, Thomas Phelan began his law career as an Assistant Nassau
District Attorney, a position he held from 1971-1974; he was then
employed as a Clerk for both a Supreme Court Justice and a County Court
Judge for 10 years before going into private practice; and
WHEREAS, In 1991, Thomas Phelan was appointed a District Judge; five
years later, he was elected to the Supreme Court and would be re-elected
to another 14-year term in 2010; and
WHEREAS, Late in his illustrious career, Judge Thomas Phelan concen-
trated much of his energy on cases involving the guardianship of inca-
pacitated people, especially the elderly; he strove to make sure senior
citizens were taken care of properly; and
WHEREAS, Judge Thomas Phelan distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, Judge Thomas Phelan's commitment to excellence, and his spir-
it of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Proud of his Irish heritage, Judge Thomas Phelan was a found-
ing member of the Irish Monument Committee, which was dedicated to rais-
ing funds to restore a deteriorating memorial in Mineola, New York,
which commemorates the 1916 Easter Monday Uprising by Irish Nationalists
in Dublin, Ireland against British rule; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Judge Thomas Phelan was both a distinguished
Board member of the Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick on Long
Island and Irish-Americans in Government Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Truly involved with his community, Judge Thomas Phelan was
both the past President of the Kiwanis Club of Oceanside Inc., and the
Former Assistant District Attorneys Association; and
WHEREAS, Known as a tough but fair judge, Thomas Phelan valued his
family above all else; he and his wife, the late Noreen, were proud to
raise their three children in Oceanside, just two blocks from the house
he grew up in; and
WHEREAS, Judge Thomas Phelan is survived by three daughters, Meredith,
Bridget, and Kelsey, one son, Thomas, six grandchildren, and two broth-
ers, Tim and Tod; and
WHEREAS, Recognized as a remarkable and humane jurist, Judge Thomas
Phelan genuinely cared about what was right and moral; his legacy
extends far beyond his accomplishments as a successful judge; his integ-
rity, unconditional friendship and selfless motivation to give of
himself will long stand as a beacon for those who would aspire to
service in their community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and distinguished career of Nassau Supreme Court
Judge Thomas Phelan, recognizing his loving labors and purposeful life,
and conveying its sincere condolences to his beloved family; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Nassau Supreme Court Judge Thomas Phelan.