Bill Text: NY J01339 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Honoring Tom Gifford posthumously upon the occasion of being inducted into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame on July 30, 2023

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2023-06-06 - ADOPTED [J01339 Detail]

Download: New_York-2023-J01339-Introduced.html

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Senate Resolution No. 1339

BY: Senator GRIFFO

        HONORING   Tom   Gifford   posthumously  upon  the
        occasion of being inducted into the Rome Sports Hall
        of Fame on July 30, 2023

  WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
outstanding athletes who have  distinguished  themselves  through  their
exceptional performance, attaining unprecedented success and the highest
level of personal achievement; and

  WHEREAS,  Attendant  to  such  concern,  and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Tom Gifford posthumously upon the occasion of being  inducted  into  the
Rome Sports Hall of Fame on Sunday, July 30, 2023; and

  WHEREAS,  Every year, the Rome Sports Hall of Fame publicly commends
the pursuit of athletic excellence, recognizes those who have  excelled,
and  strives  to  preserve Rome's rich athletic heritage; Tom Gifford is
truly deserving of this prestigious award; and

  WHEREAS, A gifted three sport player  who  stood  out  in  football,
basketball,  and  baseball  at  Rome Catholic High, Tom Gifford achieved
many highlights in his four year RCH career; and

  WHEREAS, In 1965, Tom  Gifford  guided  Rome  Catholic  High  to  an
undefeated  football  season as starting quarterback and defensive back;
then, in 1968  he  was  selected  as  a  Iroquois  League  All  Star  in
Basketball and Baseball; and

  WHEREAS,  Tom  Gifford won the RCH Basketball scoring title with 382
points under 1999 RSHF Inductee, Frank Didio; and

  WHEREAS, Truly dedicated to his athleticism, Tom Gifford batted .675
and .571 for the Smith Post American Legion Baseball Team; and

  WHEREAS, Being recognized as a top athlete, Tom Gifford  received  a
partial  Division  1 Baseball scholarship to Holy Cross; he played third
base and center field for the Crusaders in 1969, 1970, 1971  and  missed
1972 due to injury for the Crusaders; and

  WHEREAS,  With  a  batting  average of .368 in 1969, Tom Gifford was
nominated for the Florida State All Tournament team after  batting  .400
when playing against Florida State, Illinois, and Maryland in 1970; and

  WHEREAS,  After  college graduation, Tom Gifford returned to Rome to
work with a local firm before starting a career in  the  sales  building
industry; and

  WHEREAS,  Sports  remaining  an  important  piece  of  his life, Tom
Gifford enjoyed teaching his children athletic activities  and  coaching
his  son's  little  league,  senior  little league teams, and daughter's
softball team; and

  WHEREAS, Sadly Tom Gifford passed away on September 26, 2020 at  the
age  of  70; his wife Mary preceded him in death on December 6, 2016 and
he leaves behind his daughter Amanda, son Tom,  two  grandchildren,  and
brother James; and

  WHEREAS,  Tom  Gifford has clearly made a contribution to the spirit
of excellence which is a tradition of his Rome community; and

  WHEREAS, It  is  the  sense  of  this  Legislative  Body  that  when
individuals  of such outstanding athletic accomplishments are brought to
our attention, they should be recognized by all  the  citizens  of  this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Tom Gifford posthumously upon the occasion of being inducted  into
the Rome Sports Hall of Fame on July 30, 2023; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Tom Gifford.