[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 14, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E311]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THOMAS H. McCARTHY AS CHAIRMAN OF THE 47TH ANNUAL BUFFALO 
                      IRISH CENTER CIVIC LUNCHEON

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 14, 2018

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. 
Thomas H. McCarthy, who has been selected to serve as Honorary Chairman 
of the 47th Annual Civic Luncheon to benefit the Buffalo Irish Center. 
A proud Buffalonian, born and raised, Tom is a graduate of St. Thomas 
Aquinas School, Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School, Canisius College, 
and Simmons School of Mortuary Science.
  One year after graduating from Simmons, he founded the Thomas H. 
McCarthy Funeral Home. Through his funeral home business, he has 
provided care and compassion to neighborhood families during difficult 
times.
  Tom is a dedicated community servant. He served in the Buffalo Fire 
Department for 37 years, retiring as a Lieutenant. Additionally, he is 
a member of the Knights of Columbus, an organization of nearly two 
million Catholic men. Tom embodies their principles of charity, unity, 
fraternity, and patriotism.
  Organizations that benefit from Tom's stewardship include his alma 
mater, Bishop Timon, where he raises funds for student scholarships 
with the Hillery Foundation. For almost 60 years, he has been a member 
of the Blackthorn Club, a group which encourages the camaraderie and 
connection of its members with Irish ancestry through social events. At 
one point, he served as President of the Club.
  Married for 63 years, Tom and his wife Mary Ellen have raised six 
children together. They now have twelve grandchildren and two great 
grandchildren. Alongside his wonderful family, Tom has been an active 
participator in this Luncheon since the beginning.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Mr. Thomas H. McCarthy here today, 
to recognize his countless contributions to the Irish community in 
Buffalo, and the Western New York community as a whole. His time and 
talents have made a difference in the lives of so many, and he is 
deserving of our most sincere gratitude.

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