Senate Resolution No. 1305

BY: Senator MARCELLINO

COMMENDING Nellie O'Neill upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by the Suffolk
County Ancient Order of Hibernians

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those individuals and organizations that devote their energy, resources
and thoughtful care to improving the quality and character of life in
their communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Nellie O'Neill upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the Suffolk County Ancient Order of Hibernians to be
celebrated at its 26th Annual Ball on Friday, April 21, 2017, at the
Bellport Country Club in Bellport, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) is a Catholic, Irish
American Fraternal Organization founded in New York City on May 4, 1836,
at St. James Church; the Order sought to aid the newly arrived Irish,
both socially, and politically; in addition, it preserves the Irish
culture of art, dance, music and sports; the AOH has been at the
political forefront for issues concerning the Irish, such as immigration
reform, economic incentives, human rights issues and many more; and

WHEREAS, Born in Oulogue, Callow in County Mayo, Ireland, to Patrick
and Katie O'Neill Loftus, Nellie O'Neill immigrated to the United States
in July of 1959, settling in the Bronx, New York; and

WHEREAS, After she was married and started a family, the O'Neills
moved to Long Island, New York, where she joined the Ladies Ancient
Order of Hibernians (LAOH) Smithtown Hibernians in 1979; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to the LAOH, Nellie O'Neill held numerous positions
including Treasurer from 1983-1984, and President in 1985-1986;
additionally, she has held the offices of Irish Historian and Treasurer
from 1989-1993, on the Suffolk County Level; and

WHEREAS, An integral part of numerous AOH and LAOH events, Nellie
O'Neill was well-known for her organizational skills; she chaired
fundraisers and organized anniversary parties, the Family Day Picnic and
other occasions; and

WHEREAS, For her steadfast and unremitting commitment to her
community, Nellie O'Neill was the recipient of the Walking In the
Footsteps of St. Brigid Award and was a past nominee for New York
State's Mother Teresa Award; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to her religion, Nellie O'Neill is a devout and
reliable member of her parish; she has served as a Eucharistic Minister
for the past 26 years, faithfully bringing Holy Communion to the sick
and homebound and engaging them in cheerful, uplifting conversation and
enjoys giving to those less fortunate through donations through parish
outreach; and


WHEREAS, Furthermore, Nellie O'Neill coordinates the Pennies for St.
Francis Breadline collection each year, with the proceeds being sent
annually to the Franciscan Mission in Manhattan, New York; and

WHEREAS, Active in her community, Nellie O'Neill organized a
division scholarship for the members' children and grandchildren and
chairs the committee tasked with reviewing the applications and
transcripts of the students applying for the scholarship to select the
winning student; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout has been her husband, Mike; their four
children, Mary, Michael, Patrick and Eileen; two son-in-laws; two
daughter-in-laws and 13 grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to be
a part of her life and rejoice in her accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Nellie O'Neill upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the Suffolk County Ancient Order of Hibernians; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Nellie O'Neill.