Honor Thomas Barry Jr.

Senate Resolution No. 2709 BY: Senator GRIFFO HONORING Thomas Barry Jr. posthumously upon the occasion of his induction into the Catholic School Hall of Fame by the Catholic Schools Association of Rome WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the efforts of those individuals within the State of New York who gave of their time and energies in support of spiritual endeavors which aim to benefit the community at large; and WHEREAS, Thomas Barry Jr. not only gave of his time and energies but also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently is designated for special honor; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Thomas Barry Jr. posthumously upon the occasion of his induction into the Catholic School Hall of Fame by the Catholic Schools Association of Rome, to be presented to his family during its 3rd Annual induction ceremony on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Teugega Country Club, Rome, New York; and WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion recognizes persons influential to local Catholic schools and the positive influence these individuals have had on their communities; Thomas Barry Jr. was one such individual; and WHEREAS, Thomas Barry Jr. attended Transfiguration Catholic School, St. Mary's Middle School and Rome Catholic High School, where he was Captain of both his football and basketball teams; and WHEREAS, A true asset to his community, Thomas Barry Jr. helped to organize and run the Rome City Recreation Department's Summer and Fall basketball leagues, and became part of the Rome Lady Rebels, an AAU basketball program where he served as board member and president; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, he established the Annual Shamrock Shootout girls basketball tournament, and served as President of the RFA Girls Basketball Booster Club for three years; and WHEREAS, Thomas Barry Jr. also served as the President of the Michele Adey Fund, raising tens of thousands of dollars for the families of local children suffering from serious illnesses or injuries; and WHEREAS, For nearly 40 years, Thomas Barry Jr. was a fulltime employee of Niagara Mohawk/National Grid; he managed to balance family, faith, coaching, volunteering, organizing, and his job; and WHEREAS, A man of indomitable faith, Thomas Barry Jr. served as a Lector at Transfiguration Church; and WHEREAS, The humble work of this quiet gentleman helped those around him to share in and feel the true joy in all that he did and accomplished; and WHEREAS, Thomas Barry Jr. was a loyal, reliable, lovable friend, always willing to do whatever it took to get the job done; he dedicated more than 40 years of service to the Rome sports community as an athlete, a coach, a mentor, an administrator, an organizer, role model and volunteer, with a combined total of over 25 years of coaching at Rome Catholic High School and Rome Free Academy; and WHEREAS, While Thomas Barry Jr. was passionate about many things, above all else, his fondest memories were made alongside his wife, Crystal, and while coaching his daughters, Kelly and Tricia; he was truly both their coach and their biggest fan; and WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 honor Thomas Barry Jr. upon the occasion of his induction into the Catholic School Hall of Fame by the Catholic Schools Association of Rome; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Thomas Barry Jr.