Senate Resolution No. 5463

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Coach Tony Abone Jr. upon the
occasion of his retirement after 34 years of
dedicated service to the Smith Post No. 24 Legion
Team

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
the distinguished athletic coaches who serve the youth of this great
Empire State and who have distinguished themselves and their teams
through outstanding commitment and exemplary athletic achievements; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Coach Tony Abone Jr. upon the occasion of his retirement
after 34 years of dedicated service to the Smith Post No. 24 Legion
Team, to be celebrated on Saturday, June 30, 2018, at Polish Home, Rome,
New York; and

WHEREAS, Born on August 13, 1960, in Rome, New York, Tony Abone Jr.
grew up in a baseball family, a baseball neighborhood and a baseball
town, where he developed a love for the game at a very early age; and

WHEREAS, As a senior in high school, Tony Abone Jr. hit .528 and
received the Outstanding Player Award; at the same time, while playing
summer baseball under the coaching direction of his dad, his team, the
Henry P. Smith Post No. 24 American Legion Baseball Team, won the 1978
New York State American Legion Baseball Championship; and

WHEREAS, Tony Abone Jr. went on to Le Moyne College where he played
for the legendary Dick Rockwell; his college career included three years
as an All-League, State, and Region Baseball All-Star, as well as two
Division II College World Series appearances; and

WHEREAS, As a professional, Tony Abone Jr. played with the Montreal
Expos organization in the New York Penn League in Jamestown, and the
Southern Atlantic League in Gastonia, North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, Tony Abone Jr. retired from baseball in 1984, during which
time he returned to Rome to work with young baseball players and to
start his business career; and

WHEREAS, In 1984, Tony Abone Jr. joined his father as the Head Coach
of the Smith Post No. 24 Legion Team, a position he would continue to
hold for the next 34 years; and

WHEREAS, In September of the same year, Tony Abone Jr. married his
college sweetheart, the former Theresa Kilduff, and together they raised
three children; both of their sons played for their father on the Smith
Post No. 24 Legion Team; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious tenure, Tony Abone Jr. has
tallied countless county championships, several state final appearances,
and a New York State American Legion Baseball Championship in 1998; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his renowned coaching career, Tony Abone Jr.
opened Re/Max All Pro Realty in 1992, and has been the broker/owner of
his successful real estate office ever since; and

WHEREAS, Tony Abone Jr. has been the proud recipient of numerous
awards and accolades, including the Re/Max Lifetime Achievement Award,
and his induction into the Re/Max Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Theresa, and their
three children, Tracie, TJ, and Tim, as well as one granddaughter,
Blakely Grace, who have all shown him love and support and rejoice in
his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to now record its
recognition and appreciation in honoring an outstanding coach whose
dedication and achievements have been instrumental in developing
character and sportsmanship in youth, exemplifying the ideals and values
cherished by this great State and Nation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Coach Tony Abone Jr. upon the occasion of his retirement
after 34 years of dedicated service to the Smith Post No. 24 Legion
Team; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Coach Tony Abone Jr.