Honor Fallen Veteran Leader

Senate Resolution No. 1258 BY: Senator JACOBS MOURNING the death of Colonel Patrick J. Cunningham, distinguished citizen, meritorious veteran 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, Colonel Patrick J. Cunningham of Buffalo, New York, died on Friday, March 24, 2017, at the age of 78; and WHEREAS, Patrick J. Cunningham, affectionately known as Pat, was born on April 2, 1938, to Cecil and Grace Cunningham; he graduated from Canisius College with a degree in Sociology in 1959, before being commissioned to the United States Army; and WHEREAS, With his final assignment at Fort Ben Harrison in Indianapolis, Indiana, Patrick J. Cunningham courageously served his country for three decades, retiring from the esteemed position of Colonel; he received numerous awards and decorations for his valiant military service including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal; and WHEREAS, Upon his retirement, Patrick J. Cunningham returned to his hometown of Buffalo, New York, and began his second career in 1993, as the Executive Director at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Servicemen's Park; and WHEREAS, In this capacity, Patrick J. Cunningham was instrumental in moving the park to its current location, as well as in its profound growth and success as the largest Naval Park in the United States; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast commitment to excellence, Patrick J. Cunningham's spirit of humanity carried over into all fields of enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavors; and WHEREAS, Patrick J. Cunningham gave tirelessly of his time and energies to his beloved community, serving such organizations as the Boy Scouts of America, the Rotary Club, the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), and St. Pius X in Getzville; he was also a proud high school football and basketball referee, as well as a Little League baseball umpire; and WHEREAS, Preceded in death of his wife of 53 years, Sheila, Patrick J. Cunningham is survived by his daughters, Colleen (Scott) and Kathleen (Rob); his sons Michael (Pam), Sean (Michelle) and Patrick (Christina); 14 grandchildren, Andrew, Scout, Victoria, Eric, Kyle, Ryan, Reilly, Timothy, Matthew, Samuel, Alexandra, Molly, Parker and Elsin; his brother, the Most Reverend Robert Cunningham; his sister, Eileen (Ronald); and his sister-in-law, Dolores; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Patrick J. Cunningham 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 Colonel Patrick J. Cunningham, distinguished citizen, meritorious veteran 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 Colonel Patrick J. Cunningham.