Honor Peter McBride's Legacy

October 11, 2017; and WHEREAS, Peter James McBride, affectionately known as Pete, was born the second child of Alice and Peter J. McBride in the Bronx in 1934; as a young boy his parents took him back to live in his beloved Ireland before returning to New York, where he graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School; and WHEREAS, Upon graduating, Pete McBride valiantly served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War; and WHEREAS, Pete McBride married Rosemary McKenna in 1958, and together they had four children; five years later he graduated from Fordham Law School and began his distinguished legal career on Wall Street; and WHEREAS, The couple moved to Oxford, New York in 1971, where Pete McBride enthusiastically embraced rural life; and WHEREAS, Pete McBride distinguished himself in his profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of his community; and WHEREAS, Pete McBride was brilliant, gregarious, charismatic, funny, loud and larger than life, but most remarkable was his generosity; he was generous both professionally and personally, welcoming anyone and everyone into his homes and offering his legal services for anything one could offer; and WHEREAS, A born orator, Pete McBride was quick on his feet and an excellent trial lawyer; the courtroom was his natural domain and gave him the opportunity to channel his love of speaking with his competitive spirit; and WHEREAS, An advocate for equal justice, Pete McBride served as a Public Defender in Chenango County for several decades, where he fearlessly fought to protect the rights of his clients; beyond serving in this capacity, he maintained a general practice and possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of the law; and WHEREAS, Pete McBride had a truly adventurous spirit, traveling to almost every corner of the world; he and his wife frequently went back to Ireland, where they formed a very strong bond with his relatives, the Kelly and Loughrey families; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, his son Peter, and his sister Mary Ann, Pete McBride is survived by his wife of 59 years, Rosemary; two daughters, Agnes and Maureen; a son, Dennis (Jill); his two beloved grandchildren, Mara and Peter; and his brother, Joseph; as well as many in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Pete McBride 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 Peter James McBride, distinguished citizen 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 Peter James McBride.