2013-J1013

Mourning the death of Thomas W. Roach, Jr., distinguished citizen and dedicated member of his community

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2013-J1013


LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of Thomas W. Roach, Jr.,
distinguished citizen and dedicated 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, Thomas W. Roach, Jr., of New Paltz, New York, died on Wednes-
day, March 6, 2013, at the age of 81; and
WHEREAS, Born on June 12, 1931, in Kingston, New York, Thomas W.
Roach, Jr. graduated from Kingston High School in 1948 and from Villano-
va University in 1952; and
WHEREAS, After serving his country during the Korean War from 1952-54
in the United States Marine Corps, where he attained the rank of
Captain, Thomas W. Roach, Jr. worked for 30 years as a life insurance
agent, financial planning agent, and manager for several life insurance
companies; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Thomas W. Roach, Jr. served as Commissioner of
Social Services for Ulster County for 12 years; he also served his town
and the surrounding communities on the Ulster County Legislature from
1974 to 1983, during which time he was Minority Leader and later, Chair-
man; and
WHEREAS, Since his retirement in 1974, Thomas W. Roach, Jr. served on
several boards of not-for-profit agencies including the: Ulster County
Industrial Development Agency, Mid-Hudson Family Health Institute,
Chairman and Member of the William B. Hoyt Memorial Children and Family
Trust Fund, Chairman and Member of Advisory Board for Commissioners of
the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Board Member
of the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, Home Visiting Council
of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, former
President of the Ulster County Chapter of the American Cancer Society,
Chairman of the United Way Emergency Food and Shelter Program Board, and
Children's Annex; and
WHEREAS, Among the many awards received by Thomas W. Roach, Jr. are
the: Saint Cabrini Humanitarian Award, Commissioner's Award from the
Department of Health and Human Services, and the Distinguished Citizen
Award from The Boy Scouts of America; and
WHEREAS, Thomas W. Roach, Jr. was a member of the Parish of St.
Joseph's Church in New Paltz, where he served as past President of the
Parish Council and Eucharist Minister; and
WHEREAS, Thomas W. Roach, Jr. is survived by his wife, Audrey
(Aldridge) Roach, their children: Jane and John Winters, Neal O'Reilly,
Tom and Nancy Roach, Brian and Brenda Roach, Kathleen and Neal Kenslea,
Mary Beth and Joe Grasso; and by eighteen grandchildren: Keith, Meghan,
Melissa, Patrick, Kyle, Michael, Lauren, Jessica, Kayla, Jacob, Danny,
David, Sara, Dylan, Erin, Jack, Maggie, and Sean; and
WHEREAS, Thomas W. Roach, Jr. is also survived by one great-grandson:
Nolan; three sisters and their husbands: Catherine and Joseph McGrane,
Cornelia and Edward Gallagher, and Mariema and Joseph Diaguardi; two
brothers: Reverend John Roach and Charles (Mary) Roach; and by many
nieces and nephews; he was predeceased by a daughter, Peg O'Reilly; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, Thomas W. Roach, Jr.
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; he
will be remembered as someone who made a positive difference in the
lives of others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Thomas W. Roach, Jr. distinguished citizen and
devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Thomas W. Roach, Jr.

actions

  • 25 / Mar / 2013
    • REFERRED TO FINANCE
  • 17 / Apr / 2013
    • REPORTED TO CALENDAR FOR CONSIDERATION
  • 17 / Apr / 2013
    • ADOPTED

Resolution Details

Law Section:
Resolutions, Legislative

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