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