Assembly Resolution No. 533
BY: M. of A. Buttenschon
HONORING John A. Mody, Jr. posthumously upon the
occasion of being inducted into the Rome Sports Hall
of Fame on July 28, 2019
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
John A. Mody, Jr. posthumously upon the occasion of being inducted into
the Rome Sports Hall of Fame; this auspicious occasion will be
celebrated on Sunday, July 28, 2019, with a Ceremony at the Hall,
followed by a Banquet at Vernon Downs Casino Hotel in Vernon, New York;
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; John A. Mody, Jr.
is truly deserving of this prestigious award; and
WHEREAS, The late John Mody, Jr. was an outstanding athlete, stellar
student, and a very successful businessman, but according to his
parents, his coaches and his friends, he was an even better person; and
WHEREAS, Ever since he was a young boy, John Mody, Jr. loved sports;
as a student at Rome Free Academy, he was a member of the Section III
championship football team, and was selected as a first-team league
all-star as a linebacker; in 1985, he was chosen to play in the annual
league East-West game; and
WHEREAS, During his junior season, John Mody, Jr. was the recipient
of the Coach's Award, and as a senior, he was a two-way starting
linebacker and offensive lineman; and
WHEREAS, John Mody, Jr. was also a vital member of his school's
baseball team, and was selected as a first-team all-star; he hit .484
for Rome Free Academy, and .420 for the Smith Post American Legion team;
and
WHEREAS, Upon graduating, John Mody, Jr. was a three-year starter
for the Colgate College Raiders as both an inside and middle linebacker;
throughout his college career, he was credited with 179 solo tackles; as
a senior, he caused three fumbles, registered five pass deflections and
three sacks, and was presented with game balls for his dominating
defensive effort against Princeton and Bucknell Universities; and
WHEREAS, John Mody, Jr. died on August 31, 2017, at the age of 50;
at the time of his passing, he lived in Syracuse, New York, with his
wife, Sarah, and their then three-year-old daughter Marisa; he was a
very successful real estate agent, owned an appraisal company, and was a
partner in Resurgent Properties; and
WHEREAS, John A. Mody, Jr. 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 John A. Mody, Jr. posthumously upon the occasion of being inducted
into the Rome Sports Hall of Fame on July 28, 2019; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of John A. Mody, Jr.
