Senate Resolution No. 4002

BY: Senator KENNEDY

COMMENDING Thomas H. McCarthy upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition by the
Buffalo Irish Center

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those
individuals and organizations which foster ethnic pride and enhance the
profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the
communities of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Thomas H. McCarthy upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by the Buffalo Irish Center, to be celebrated at its
47th Annual Civic Luncheon on Saint Patrick's Day 2018; and

WHEREAS, Since 1970, the Buffalo Irish Center has strived to share
its Irish heritage with the community; it is a gathering place for those
of Irish descent as well as those who wish to learn more about the Irish
culture; and

WHEREAS, The Buffalo Irish Center is one of the richest cultural and
ethnic centers in Western New York, housing over a dozen non-profit
organizations which highlight various aspects of Irish-American culture;
and

WHEREAS, In 1952, Thomas H. McCarthy graduated from Bishop Timon
High School in Buffalo, New York; today, he supports his alma mater by
working with the Hillery Foundation, which raises funds for graduating
student scholarships; and

WHEREAS, Four years later, Thomas H. McCarthy earned his
undergraduate degree from Canisius College; he furthered his education
by attending The Simmons School of Mortuary Science; and

WHEREAS, After graduating, Thomas H. McCarthy founded the Thomas H.
McCarthy Funeral Home, which has been in business for 60 years both at
its original location at 1975 Seneca Street in South Buffalo, and its
second location at 250 Orchard Park Road in West Seneca, New York; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to his profession, Thomas H. McCarthy held the
title of President of the Erie-Niagara Funeral Directors Association,
and served on the New York State Funeral Director's Advisory Board; and

WHEREAS, Thomas H. McCarthy is an active and treasured member of his
community; he holds the title of Lieutenant with Buffalo Professional
Firefighters Local 282, and is a faithful congregant of St. Teresa's
Parish, where he has served on the finance committee, and held the
position of President of both the Parish Council and Holy Name Society;
and

WHEREAS, Proud of his Irish heritage, Thomas H. McCarthy is a member
of Msgr. Toomey Council 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, Knights of
Equity, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians; and

WHEREAS, For almost 60 years, Thomas H. McCarthy has belonged to the
Blackthorn Club, one of Buffalo's most exclusive fraternal organizations
which encourages the camaraderie and connection of community members
with Irish ancestry through social events; and

WHEREAS, Thomas H. McCarthy has personified the spirit of
volunteerism, demonstrating a gift for leadership, a devotion to family,
a commitment to his Irish heritage, and a determination to make his
community a better place in which to live; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, 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
commend Thomas H. McCarthy upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition by the Buffalo Irish Center; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Thomas H. McCarthy.