LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Anthony A. Thomas posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest
honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Anthony A.
Thomas posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the
New York State Senate; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, Born on March 24, 1924 in Albany, New York, Anthony A. Thomas
was the son of the late Joseph and Geraldine Thomas; he graduated from
Watervliet High School in 1942, and went on to attend Brooklyn College;
and
WHEREAS, Anthony A. Thomas valiantly served his country as a member of
the United States Coast Guard during the Second World War from 1942 to
1946; he was also a United States Navy veteran during the Korean
Conflict from 1950 to 1952; and
WHEREAS, On May 23, 1953, Anthony A. Thomas married the former Helen
C. Maier and together they raised six beautiful children; and
WHEREAS, A sales representative for the former Bearing Distributors in
Troy, Anthony A. Thomas retired in 1986 after 32 years of distinguished
service; he was also a volunteer with the RPI Athletic Department for
more than four decades as a player-host and coordinator; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, he worked as a minor official for RPI football
and hockey games, and served as past president of the Friends of RPI
Hockey; he was active in the Troy Youth Hockey Association for more than
25 years and was a member of its board of directors; and
WHEREAS, Active within the community, Anthony A. Thomas was a member,
past president and board member of the Troy Kiwanis Club; during this
time, he received numerous awards and citations including the Legion of
Merit for community service and Kiwanis Principles; and
WHEREAS, Anthony A. Thomas was a member of the Knights of Columbus,
the Troy Industrial Club, Brunswick Lodge of Elks and Junior Chamber
International; he was a volunteer and instructor for the New York
Special Olympics, as well as co-founder, past vice-president and treas-
urer of the Troy Babe Ruth League; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Anthony A. Thomas was well known in local golf
circles, serving as co-founder, past president and secretary of the
Frear Park Twilight League and past president of the Frear Park Golf
Association; he also served as volunteer and instructor to the Blind
Golfers Association; and
WHEREAS, A friendly man with a quick wit and a ready smile, Anthony A.
Thomas was a loving husband, father and grandfather; he was a communi-
cant of Sacred Heart Church in Berlin and a member of St. Patrick's and
Our Lady of Victory in Troy; and

WHEREAS, Anthony A. Thomas died on Thursday, November 24, 2005, at the
age of 81; he is survived by his wife, Helen; six children, Andrea
(David), Charles (Susan), Marybeth (Paul), Robert (Kim), John (Eileen)
and Paul; and four grandchildren, Brynna, Maggie, Sophia and Dylan; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Anthony A. Thomas displayed through-
out his life; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Anthony A. Thomas demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserved to be recognized, commended
and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and
for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Anthony A. Thomas posthumously upon the occasion of his desig-
nation as a recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed
upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Anthony A. Thomas.