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79R19681 JNC-D

By:  Gallego                                                      H.R. No. 2252



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The certain knowledge of a life well lived may 
temper the profound sadness that the passing of Thomas Henry 
O'Melia on April 17, 2005, at the age of 63, brings to all who loved 
this good man; and
	WHEREAS, Born and raised in New York City, Mr. O'Melia 
attended All Hallows High School in the Bronx; he worked throughout 
high school, but still excelled both academically and athletically 
and won city championships in the shot put and discus; and
	WHEREAS, His dedication and ability earned this talented 
young man an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, though 
he ultimately completed his degree at Iona College; he then devoted 
several years to learning the restaurant business, working as a 
bouncer, bartender, and manager at a number of popular Manhattan 
nightspots; and
	WHEREAS, He realized his dream of becoming a restaurateur in 
1972, when he opened the doors of O'Melia's, a casual establishment 
that became a favorite meeting place on the Upper East Side; over 
the following decade the eatery served countless delighted patrons, 
and the success Mr. O'Melia experienced allowed him to open a second 
restaurant in New Jersey; and
	WHEREAS, Later in life, this esteemed gentleman went on to 
manage dining facilities and catering enterprises for some of New 
Jersey's largest hotels, retiring from his distinguished career in 
the 1990s; and
	WHEREAS, Tom O'Melia played many roles during his rich life, 
but none of them were more important than his roles as husband and 
father; although he will be deeply missed by his beloved wife and 
children, his spirit will live on in their hearts, and in the hearts 
of the many people whose lives he touched during his time on this 
earth; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Thomas Henry O'Melia 
and extend deepest sympathy to the members of his family: to his 
wife, Kathy; to his children, Daniel, Andrew, Brendan, Thomas Ryan, 
and Katie; and to his other relatives and many friends; and, be it 
further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of 
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Thomas 
Henry O'Melia.