Senate Resolution No. 1258

BY: Senator JACOBS

MOURNING the death of Colonel Patrick J.
Cunningham, distinguished citizen, meritorious
veteran and devoted 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, Colonel Patrick J. Cunningham of Buffalo, New York, died on
Friday, March 24, 2017, at the age of 78; and

WHEREAS, Patrick J. Cunningham, affectionately known as Pat, was
born on April 2, 1938, to Cecil and Grace Cunningham; he graduated from
Canisius College with a degree in Sociology in 1959, before being
commissioned to the United States Army; and

WHEREAS, With his final assignment at Fort Ben Harrison in
Indianapolis, Indiana, Patrick J. Cunningham courageously served his
country for three decades, retiring from the esteemed position of
Colonel; he received numerous awards and decorations for his valiant
military service including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal,
Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal; and

WHEREAS, Upon his retirement, Patrick J. Cunningham returned to his
hometown of Buffalo, New York, and began his second career in 1993, as
the Executive Director at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and
Servicemen's Park; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Patrick J. Cunningham was instrumental in
moving the park to its current location, as well as in its profound
growth and success as the largest Naval Park in the United States; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast commitment to excellence, Patrick J.
Cunningham's spirit of humanity carried over into all fields of
enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Patrick J. Cunningham gave tirelessly of his time and
energies to his beloved community, serving such organizations as the Boy
Scouts of America, the Rotary Club, the Military Officers Association of
America (MOAA), and St. Pius X in Getzville; he was also a proud high
school football and basketball referee, as well as a Little League
baseball umpire; and

WHEREAS, Preceded in death of his wife of 53 years, Sheila, Patrick
J. Cunningham is survived by his daughters, Colleen (Scott) and
Kathleen (Rob); his sons Michael (Pam), Sean (Michelle) and Patrick
(Christina); 14 grandchildren, Andrew, Scout, Victoria, Eric, Kyle,
Ryan, Reilly, Timothy, Matthew, Samuel, Alexandra, Molly, Parker and
Elsin; his brother, the Most Reverend Robert Cunningham; his sister,
Eileen (Ronald); and his sister-in-law, Dolores; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Patrick J. Cunningham 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 Colonel Patrick J. Cunningham, distinguished citizen,
meritorious veteran 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 Colonel Patrick J. Cunningham.