Honor Nellie O'Neill Today

Senate Resolution No. 1305 BY: Senator MARCELLINO COMMENDING Nellie O'Neill upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Suffolk County Ancient Order of Hibernians WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to those individuals and organizations that devote their energy, resources and thoughtful care to improving the quality and character of life in their communities; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Nellie O'Neill upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Suffolk County Ancient Order of Hibernians to be celebrated at its 26th Annual Ball on Friday, April 21, 2017, at the Bellport Country Club in Bellport, New York; and WHEREAS, The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) is a Catholic, Irish American Fraternal Organization founded in New York City on May 4, 1836, at St. James Church; the Order sought to aid the newly arrived Irish, both socially, and politically; in addition, it preserves the Irish culture of art, dance, music and sports; the AOH has been at the political forefront for issues concerning the Irish, such as immigration reform, economic incentives, human rights issues and many more; and WHEREAS, Born in Oulogue, Callow in County Mayo, Ireland, to Patrick and Katie O'Neill Loftus, Nellie O'Neill immigrated to the United States in July of 1959, settling in the Bronx, New York; and WHEREAS, After she was married and started a family, the O'Neills moved to Long Island, New York, where she joined the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH) Smithtown Hibernians in 1979; and WHEREAS, Devoted to the LAOH, Nellie O'Neill held numerous positions including Treasurer from 1983-1984, and President in 1985-1986; additionally, she has held the offices of Irish Historian and Treasurer from 1989-1993, on the Suffolk County Level; and WHEREAS, An integral part of numerous AOH and LAOH events, Nellie O'Neill was well-known for her organizational skills; she chaired fundraisers and organized anniversary parties, the Family Day Picnic and other occasions; and WHEREAS, For her steadfast and unremitting commitment to her community, Nellie O'Neill was the recipient of the Walking In the Footsteps of St. Brigid Award and was a past nominee for New York State's Mother Teresa Award; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to her religion, Nellie O'Neill is a devout and reliable member of her parish; she has served as a Eucharistic Minister for the past 26 years, faithfully bringing Holy Communion to the sick and homebound and engaging them in cheerful, uplifting conversation and enjoys giving to those less fortunate through donations through parish outreach; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, Nellie O'Neill coordinates the Pennies for St. Francis Breadline collection each year, with the proceeds being sent annually to the Franciscan Mission in Manhattan, New York; and WHEREAS, Active in her community, Nellie O'Neill organized a division scholarship for the members' children and grandchildren and chairs the committee tasked with reviewing the applications and transcripts of the students applying for the scholarship to select the winning student; and WHEREAS, With her throughout has been her husband, Mike; their four children, Mary, Michael, Patrick and Eileen; two son-in-laws; two daughter-in-laws and 13 grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her accomplishments; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Nellie O'Neill upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Suffolk County Ancient Order of Hibernians; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Nellie O'Neill.