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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E71]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN MEMORY OF THOMAS H. DOOLEY
______
HON. JOE COURTNEY
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of
Thomas H. Dooley, a prominent attorney and businessman from Vernon, CT,
who passed away on January 6, 2019.
Born in 1934 to Lawrence and Lauretta Dooley, Tom was raised in
Middletown, New York and graduated from Clarkson University in 1956
with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. He
subsequently joined the U.S. Army, serving his country for two years
before beginning his career with the Connecticut General Life Insurance
Company as an assistant claims examiner. Soon thereafter Tom enrolled
at UCONN School of Law where he was editor of the UCONN Law Review and
a Starr Fellow. Tom graduated in 1964 and became a partner at Flaherty
& Dooley Law Firm. Tom eventually returned to Connecticut General Life
Insurance, this time as an Assistant Counsel in their legal department.
Eventually he moved into a management position becoming Second Vice
President of Group Insurance Operations. Then, in 1985 he became
Executive Vice President of CIGNA and President of Connecticut General.
Tom did not slow down after his retirement in 1992. He became
Executive-in-Residence at the University of Hartford and taught at
Manchester Community College and Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute
Graduate Center. He also chaired Connecticut's Citizen's Ethics
Advisory Board from 2010 to 2011 and was trustee emeritus at his alma
mater, Clarkson.
Tom was not just a businessman and attorney; he was also a public
servant. He was the attorney for the town of Vernon for several years
as well as a town council member and deputy mayor in our hometown of
Vernon. He even served in the Connecticut General Assembly from 1970 to
1974.
Madam Speaker, on a personal note, I had the privilege of knowing Tom
Dooley for many years since I practiced law with his former partner Leo
Flaherty for over twenty years. Leo and Tom remained good friends after
Tom left their partnership and because he was such a talented lawyer,
all of us in the firm frequently looked to him for advice on thorny
legal issues, for which he was happy to provide well-thought out and
sound advice. Tom's two terms in the Connecticut General Assembly from
Vernon's 56th Assembly District preceded my own election to that seat
which I held from 1986 to 1994. I can attest to the fact that his
outstanding legacy and reputation at the state Capitol still resonated
years after his departure. His record of ethics and professionalism in
the practice of law and public service in the political arena is an
example that all should emulate.
Lastly his devotion to his beloved wife Antoinette and all their
children and grandchildren who are leading successful lives is another
life achievement that will ensure his memory will live on. Tom Dooley
made eastern Connecticut a better place, and we are all better off
because of him. I ask my colleagues to please join me in honoring Tom's
life and memory and expressing our deepest sympathies for his family
and friends.
____________________