Assembly Resolution No. 719

BY: M. of A. Schimminger

CELEBRATING the life and accomplishments of Thomas
E. Schofield, family man, noted attorney, and
devoted member of his community

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in this Nation, and the
great State of New York, is reflective of the purposeful lives and good
works of those civic-minded community members who dedicate their lives
and careers to the service of others; and

WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of Thomas E. Schofield of Youngstown, New York,
a preeminent citizen whose distinguished public service and caring
commitment will long serve as a standard to which others might aspire;
and

WHEREAS, Thomas E. Schofield died on Friday, November 29, 2019, at
the age of 71; and

WHEREAS, Born to the late Thomas E. and Dorothy (Brining) Schofield
on October 16, 1948, in Plattsburgh, New York, Thomas E. Schofield was
raised in Massena, New York; during this time, he often traveled to
Canada, and came to appreciate the sights and sounds of its many diverse
cities; and

WHEREAS, Thomas E. Schofield earned his bachelor's degree with
honors from the University of Toronto, and in 1972, he moved to the
Buffalo, New York area, and graduated magna cum laude from the
University at Buffalo School of Law; and

WHEREAS, Thomas E. Schofield began his distinguished career in law
with the Magavern firm in 1976; he rose through the ranks, and after
making Partner, he became Managing Partner; after leaving this role in
2013, he served as the firm's Senior Counsel; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Thomas E. Schofield focused on
cross-border business in the Niagara region, a subject he also taught at
his alma mater; this accomplished attorney also specialized in health
care law, and served for many years as Chief Outside Counsel for Health
Care Plan, now known as Univera; in addition, he was an officer and
Director of the Healthy World Foundation, which has supported health
initiatives for the poor in both Uganda and India since 2006; and

WHEREAS, Thomas E. Schofield truly loved his community and was
involved with many non-profit organizations; he also supported
Leadership Buffalo, and was the Chairman of the Niagara 1812 Legacy
Council; and

WHEREAS, Known as a genius by many, Thomas E. Schofield was a man of
many interests and passions; he was an avid gardener, studied history,
political philosophy, architecture, music and theater, and was a
benefactor of the Shaw Festival and Irish Classical Theatre; and

WHEREAS, Above all, Thomas E. Schofield relished spending time with
his beloved family at his lakefront home in Youngstown; and

WHEREAS, Thomas E. Schofield is survived by his wife, Janet
Lindgren; two sons, Garth (Solene) and Morgan (Pannonica); one
granddaughter, Aurelia; two sisters, Anne (Donald) and Patricia (Frank);
and many nephews, as well as a legion of friends and colleagues; and

WHEREAS, A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, respected as a
pillar of the Schofield Family, Thomas' name is synonymous with
character, dignity, intellect, depth, and humor, qualities evident to
his family and to all those who were fortunate enough to have known him;
he will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and accomplishments of Thomas E. Schofield, family
man, noted attorney, and devoted member of his community; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Thomas E. Schofield.