Senate Resolution No. 3442

BY: Senator AKSHAR

MOURNING the death of Peter James McBride,
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, Peter James McBride of Oxford, New York, died on Wednesday,
October 11, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Peter James McBride, affectionately known as Pete, was born
the second child of Alice and Peter J. McBride in the Bronx in 1934; as
a young boy his parents took him back to live in his beloved Ireland
before returning to New York, where he graduated from Cardinal Hayes
High School; and

WHEREAS, Upon graduating, Pete McBride valiantly served his country
as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War; and

WHEREAS, Pete McBride married Rosemary McKenna in 1958, and together
they had four children; five years later he graduated from Fordham Law
School and began his distinguished legal career on Wall Street; and

WHEREAS, The couple moved to Oxford, New York in 1971, where Pete
McBride enthusiastically embraced rural life; and

WHEREAS, Pete McBride distinguished himself in his profession and by
his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and

WHEREAS, Pete McBride was brilliant, gregarious, charismatic, funny,
loud and larger than life, but most remarkable was his generosity; he
was generous both professionally and personally, welcoming anyone and
everyone into his homes and offering his legal services for anything one
could offer; and

WHEREAS, A born orator, Pete McBride was quick on his feet and an
excellent trial lawyer; the courtroom was his natural domain and gave
him the opportunity to channel his love of speaking with his competitive
spirit; and

WHEREAS, An advocate for equal justice, Pete McBride served as a
Public Defender in Chenango County for several decades, where he
fearlessly fought to protect the rights of his clients; beyond serving
in this capacity, he maintained a general practice and possessed an
encyclopedic knowledge of the law; and

WHEREAS, Pete McBride had a truly adventurous spirit, traveling to
almost every corner of the world; he and his wife frequently went back
to Ireland, where they formed a very strong bond with his relatives, the
Kelly and Loughrey families; and


WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, his son Peter, and his sister
Mary Ann, Pete McBride is survived by his wife of 59 years, Rosemary;
two daughters, Agnes and Maureen; a son, Dennis (Jill); his two beloved
grandchildren, Mara and Peter; and his brother, Joseph; as well as many
in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Pete McBride 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 Peter James McBride, 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 Peter James McBride.