Senate Resolution No. 790
BY: Senator STEC
MOURNING the death of the Honorable G. Thomas
Moynihan, Jr., 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 this
great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable G. Thomas Moynihan, Jr. of Glens Falls, New
York, died on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at the age of 86; and
WHEREAS, Born in Glens Falls, New York, G. Thomas Moynihan, Jr., the
son of Gordon T. and Alice McGillicuddy Moynihan, was a graduate of St.
Mary's Academy, and he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from
the College of the Holy Cross in 1960, and a Juris Doctor degree from
Syracuse University College of Law in 1963; and
WHEREAS, With a strong sense of a duty and a desire to serve his
Nation, G. Thomas Moynihan, Jr. served in the United States Marine Corps
and was honorably discharged in 1963; and
WHEREAS, After leaving the United States Marine Corps, G. Thomas
Moynihan, Jr. began his legal career with Clayman, Mead and Gallo from
1970 to 1980, and in 1978, he was selected to fill a vacancy as Town
Justice in the Queensbury Town Court, later serving a full term; and
WHEREAS, G. Thomas Moynihan, Jr. distinguished himself in his
profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to
the welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, In 1980 and 1990, G. Thomas Moynihan, Jr. was elected
Warren County Judge and Surrogate, a position he humbly filled until
being elected to the New York State Supreme Court in 1998, a role he
held for five years; and
WHEREAS, Recognized as a pillar of integrity within his community,
G. Thomas Moynihan, Jr. was appointed Supervising Judge of the Criminal
Courts for the Fourth Judicial District, and in retirement he served as
Counsel to FitzGerald Morris Baker Firth, P.C. and as Chair of the
Warren County Board of Ethics; and
WHEREAS, G. Thomas Moynihan, Jr. took pride in his role as a judge,
and he prioritized ensuring justice for victims while treating all who
appeared before him with humanity; those who entered his courtroom
testify to his fair and impartial nature; and
WHEREAS, G. Thomas Moynihan, Jr.'s commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Much of G. Thomas Moynihan, Jr.'s free time was dedicated
to enriching the lives of those around him, and he was a member of
several organizations, including the North Queensbury Volunteer Fire
Company, New York State County Judge's Association, New York State
Surrogates Association, New York State Supreme Court Justices
Association, New York State Bar Association, New York State Trial
Lawyers Association, Warren County Bar Association, Marine Corps League,
Memorial Detachment No. 2, American Legion post 374, BPOE Lodge No. 81,
and the Lake George Club; and
WHEREAS, G. Thomas Moynihan, Jr. shared a fulfilling life with his
loving wife of 53 years, Joanie, and he cherished memories at Lake
George, where he spent some of his happiest moments on the water; and
WHEREAS, An avid outdoorsman, G. Thomas Moynihan, Jr. enjoyed
boating, drag racing, hunting deer at the Adirondack League Club and the
Gooley Club, fly fishing, golfing, skiing, and gardening; and
WHEREAS, In retirement, G. Thomas Moynihan, Jr. and his wife moved
to Pinehurst, North Carolina, where they spent 18 peaceful years
painting and golfing with newfound friends, eventually joining two of
the oldest golf associations in the United States; and
WHEREAS, With a desire to return to family and lifelong friends, G.
Thomas Moynihan, Jr. and his wife returned home to Lake George in 2023,
once again embracing the serene environment and welcoming community that
he loved and appreciated; and
WHEREAS, G. Thomas Moynihan, Jr. is survived by his wife, Joanie;
his children, Christian Moynihan (Laurie McCauley), Heather Ward
(Jason), Hilary Moynihan, Meghan Frazier, and Shannan Carroll; his
fourteen grandchildren, Wyatt and Lansing Ward, Jack and Grace Sirianni,
Ellie, Emily, Mack, Lucie, Vivi, and Oscar Frazier, and Clarkie, Davey,
Tommy, and Cece Carroll; and many nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, G. Thomas Moynihan, Jr. 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 the Honorable G. Thomas Moynihan, Jr., 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 the Honorable G. Thomas Moynihan, Jr.
