Hon. G. Thomas Moynihan Jr.

Hon. G. Thomas Moynihan, Jr.

ASSEMBLY POINT - Hon. G. Thomas Moynihan, Jr. of Assembly Point died peacefully at home on April 1, 2025 surrounded by his beloved family, cherished dogs Birdie and Mia, and dear friends. He was 86 years old.

Born in Glens Falls, Tom was the son of Gordon T. and Alice McGillicuddy Moynihan. A graduate of St. Mary's Academy (Class of 1956), he proudly earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the College of the Holy Cross in 1960, and a Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law in 1963.

He served in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 1963. Tom was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather. Besides his parents, Tom was predeceased by his son, J. Clark Towse and his brother J. Philip Moynihan. He will be fondly remembered by his wife of 53 years, Joanie; his son, Christian Moynihan (Laurie McCauley); and his daughters, Heather Ward (Jason), Hilary Moynihan, Meghan Frazier, and Shannan Carroll (Dave). Known affectionately as "Grampa" and "Papu," he was adored by his fourteen grandchildren, Wyatt and Lansing Ward, Jack and Gracie Sirianni, Ellie, Emmy, Mack, Lucie, Vivi, and Oscar Frazier, and Clarkie, Davey, Tommy, and Cece Carroll. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews to remember his guidance and love.

Tom began his legal career with Clayman, Mead & Gallo practicing in Schenectady and Lake George, New York from 1970 to 1980. In 1978, Tom was selected to fill a vacancy as Town Justice in the Queensbury Town Court and was later elected to a full term. In 1980, he was elected Warren County Judge and Surrogate, and re-elected in 1990. He served until he was elected to the New York State Supreme Court in 1998, a role he held for five years. In 1993, he was appointed to the New York State Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics serving as a member until 2007. In 1998, he was appointed Supervising Judge of the Criminal Courts for the Fourth Judicial District. Even in retirement, his dedication continued, serving Of Counsel to FitzGerald Morris Baker Firth, P.C. and as Chair of the Warren County Board of Ethics. Tom took pride in his role as a judge, ensuring justice for victims while treating all who appeared before him with humanity. He is remembered for his fair and impartial nature in the courtroom, as well as for the kindness and humility he displayed to his colleagues. Known fondly as "Your Honor" even outside the courtroom, Tom's career defined him as a pillar of integrity within his community.

Much of his free time was dedicated to enriching the lives of those around him. Tom was a member of the North Queensbury Volunteer Fire Company. He also belonged to the 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, and the Warren County Bar Association. In addition, he was a life member of the Marine Corps League, Memorial Detachment #2, Glens Falls, NY; American Legion Post 374, Lake George, NY; and BPOE Lodge #81, Glens Falls, NY.

Tom's passions extended beyond his career. A native of Glens Falls, Tom began summering in Lake George with his family as a child where his love for the lake grew along with his zeal for boating. Whether it was racing The Verdict with Clark and Jeff, taking Joanie for a sunset cruise in Ol' Smoothie, or flying kites with his daughters off the back of Guilty, his happiest moments were on the water. A lifelong member and past president of the Lake George Club, he found immense joy in his boats and the lake he loved. If he wasn't boating, he could be found drag racing in his Grand National or packing his Hummer full of furry friends.

An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting deer at the Adirondack League Club and the Gooley Club, and spent many autumn mornings with his English Pointers - Maud, Birdie, Lizzie, Cider, Sunny, and Lily - hunting birds at the Smith Basin Club and the FNC Club in Galway, NY. He was often heard saying that 99% of bird hunting was seeing his dogs work together to seek out the elusive bird. In the warmer months, Tom could be found fishing for salmon and lake trout on Lake George as a member of the "Down and Outriggers." He enjoyed fly fishing in Adirondack streams, at the Chatiemac Club in North Creek, and in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. He also cherished his time spent golfing with friends at Glens Falls Country Club in the men's leagues. In the winters, Tom skied with his family at Gore Mountain, Stowe, Okemo, and Steamboat Springs. He also would build sled ramps and ice skating rinks on the frozen lake for his children. In his later years, Tom grew a green thumb and joined the Gentlemen's Gardening Club.

In retirement, Tom and Joanie moved to Pinehurst, NC, where they spent eighteen winters golfing with newfound friends. It was there that Joanie was selected as a member of the Silver Foils and Tom as a member of the Tin Whistles, two of the oldest golf associations in the United States. Together, they were members of Pinehurst Country Club, #7 Member's Club, the Forum, and the Village Chapel. When he wasn't golfing, Tom discovered a joy for painting the beautiful scenery he saw around him in Pinehurst.

In 2023, Tom and Joanie returned home to Lake George to spend treasured time with their children, grandchildren, and lifelong friends. Tom will always be remembered for his sage advice, his quick wit, and his contagious sense of humor. His ability to remember names and details of the stories he spun engaged everyone around him. Tom's legacy is one of wisdom, integrity, and love. He will be dearly missed by his family, and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family would like to extend gratitude to Tom's friend and caregiver Eddie, as well as Angela, Anna, Rachel, and Sheron.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tom's memory to Pointer Rescue Organization (www.pointerrescue.org) or LaCROSSe Out Childhood Cancer, benefitting the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (www.lacrosseoutcancer.org). To donate, please visit their website or make checks payable to Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation and mail them to 2151 Michelson Drive, Suite 180, Irvine, CA 92612.

Calling hours will be at Singleton Sullivan Potter Funeral Home, 407 Bay Road, Queensbury, NY, on April 13, 2025, from noon until 4 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

To leave the family an online condolence, visit www.sbfuneralhome.com.