Statement from the National Board of the AOH on the Passing of Past National President and Secretary Emeritus Thomas McNabb.

It is with deep sadness that the Ancient Order of Hibernians learned of the passing of Thomas McNabb.  Brother McNabb was the living embodiment of Hibernians and shaped the Order for over half a century; his contributions to the Order will continue to have impact long after his passing.

Brother McNabb was born and raised in Auburn, New York, where he joined the Auburn Hibernian Division in 1955.  Tom served his division in every capacity and started many local Irish-American traditions such as the Friends of Ireland Annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon and Auburn’s Irish Festival. Thomas McNabb served on the AOH New York State Board as Secretary, Treasurer, Organizer, State Director, and Vice President. Tom was elected as the youngest New York AOH state President in 1975.  Tom was elected as AOH National Vice President in 1976 and would be elected as the second youngest National President in the Orders History in 1978.

Thomas McNabb was elected to the position of AOH National Secretary in 1984, a position where he would serve with distinction for the next 30 years.  Tom was instrumental in the funding, building, and dedication of the Great Hunger Memorial in County Clare in 1995.  This monument was the first memorial in Ireland to honor those who suffered and were lost during The Great Hunger.

In an unprecedented act to recognize unprecedented service to the Order, the  2014 National Hibernian Convention awarded Brother Thomas D. McNabb the honorific National Secretary Emeritus in recognition of his 38 years of service to the National Board.  During the closing ceremonies, Brother McNabb was described as “a Hibernian who guided and inspired Hibernians every day for more than 38 years, a Hibernian leader; as a brother who has been a trusted counselor of Hibernians everywhere; a Hibernian mentor; as a brother who has been attached to Hibernians around the world by feelings of affection and personal regard, Tom is every Hibernian’s friend.”

Upon hearing of his death, AOH National President Judge James McKay observed of Thomas McNabb “His leadership set the standard for generations of Hibernian leaders to come who will seek to emulate, but never surpass him.”

The Hibernians extend our condolence to the McNabb Family, many who are worthily continuing Tom’s tradition of exemplary service to the AOH and the Irish American Community.

We Shall Not See His Like Again, May He Rest in Peace