Senate Resolution No. 1897

BY: Senator STEWART-COUSINS

CONGRATULATING Robert B. Thomas upon the occasion
of celebrating his 100th Birthday

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge
to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their
past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and
valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate
and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great
Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Robert B. Thomas upon the occasion of his 100th Birthday to
be celebrated on March 8, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Robert Thomas was born on March 14, 1924, to Robert and
Annie Thomas in Augusta, Georgia; and

WHEREAS, Robert B. Thomas migrated with his family to New York City,
where he attended Benjamin Franklin High School and graduated from New
York Vocational High School, where he learned the trade of plumbing; and

WHEREAS, On March 15, 1944, Robert B. Thomas joined the United
States Army, becoming a Gunner in the 394th Anti-Aircraft Unit; upon the
completion of his military service, he was employed with the New York
City Public Housing Authority; and

WHEREAS, In 1946, Robert B. Thomas and the former Doris E. Jones
were united in marriage and together the couple had two daughters, Symra
and Sandra, along with his other children, Robert Pridgeon and Terri
Glover; and

WHEREAS, Robert B. Thomas worked in construction with Local 60,
Engineer Union 137, Local 15, and Con Edison to put his daughters
through college; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, he later worked as a foreman and is proud of
his work helping to construct the Tappan Zee Bridge, which provided him
with the experience to help build the Throgs Neck Bridge and the second
deck of the George Washington Bridge; and

WHEREAS, Today, Robert B. Thomas has four grandchildren, Duane
Nichols, Nicole Colon, Turhan Brandon, and Tanya Brandon, as well as
nine great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Robert B. Thomas is known by his family and his community
as a generous, giving person who has helped many children with their
education and goals; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly
recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have

witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments, and
magnificent achievements of this country during the last century, while
themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Robert B. Thomas upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th
birthday; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Robert B. Thomas.