Senate Resolution No. 3257

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MOURNING the death of William P. Lynch, founder of
the Depew Saints Hockey Club, distinguished citizen
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, William P. Lynch of Depew, New York, passed away on
Tuesday, December 5, 2017, at the age of 82; and

WHEREAS, William P. Lynch was a student at both the former St.
Francis de Sales Elementary School and St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute
in Buffalo, New York; and

WHEREAS, After high school, William P. Lynch proudly served his
country as a member of the United States Air Force during the Korean War
where he served in the medical corps in Tripoli; upon his discharge, he
returned to the United States, and attended the University of Buffalo;
and

WHEREAS, William P. Lynch distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and

WHEREAS, William P. Lynch served as a petroleum products salesman
for Atlantic Richfield, before forming his own company, The Lubricator,
selling lubricants to repair shops; and

WHEREAS, Later, William P. Lynch changed careers and worked with
troubled youth at the Conners Residential Treatment Facility and the
Methodist Home for Children, now Gateway-Longview; he officially retired
from this position in 2000; and

WHEREAS, William P. Lynch's commitment to excellence, and his spirit
of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, An avid sportsman, William P. Lynch organized and coached
several teams at various locations such as St. Barnabas School, Our Lady
of the Blessed Sacrament School and Catholic Central School; and

WHEREAS, After noticing local boys playing hockey on a patch of ice
without adequate gear, William P. Lynch founded the Depew Saints Hockey
Club, an outgrowth of the OLBS hockey program; after speaking with
leaders of the Village of Depew, he organized volunteers to coach and
children to play in the league; and

WHEREAS, Over the past 48 years, the Depew Saints Hockey Club has
grown into an impressive powerhouse of a league, offering over 20 teams
for young people to join; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his work with youth sports, William P. Lynch
was a founding member of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic
Church, now St. Martha's Parish, in Depew; in 1971, represented the
Church as the Chairman of the first Holy Name Society Convention; in
that same year, he was named its Man of the Year; and

WHEREAS, William P. Lynch is survived by his wife of 57 years,
Barbara; two daughters, Bridget Herod and Bonnie McElligott; two sons,
Brendan Lynch and William P. Lynch, Jr.; one sister, Kathleen "Kay"
Hohlstein; and eight grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, William P. Lynch 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 William P. Lynch, founder of the Depew Saints Hockey
Club, distinguished citizen 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 William P. Lynch.