Thomas McNabb

Thomas McNabb speaks during the St. Patrick’s Day ceremony at Memorial City Hall in 2016.

A longtime city of Auburn employee and city councilor passed away Tuesday.

Thomas D. McNabb, 80, was born and raised in Auburn and served on the Auburn City Council for 16 years, from 1995 to 2011, and also worked as a safety inspector for the city for 26 years.

Mayor Michael Quill said he knew McNabb for around 45 years and thought of him as a close friend. He described McNabb as a giving and humble man.

“He would always be in Wegmans buying things with coupons, but he wouldn’t be bringing it home most of the time,” Quill recalled. “He would be bringing it to people in the community who needed a hand up.”

Quill also said McNabb was a tough councilor, who always did what he believed was right. City Manager Jeff Dygert said he was a “fair and level-headed” politician who “listened to both sides of the story.” City Councilor Debby McCormick added that McNabb always had the taxpayers’ best interests in mind.

“He was a good role model for those looking at a position like the city council,” McCormick said. “He did a lot for the community.”

McNabb was also a member of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians for over 50 years, where he held many leadership roles, including national president and vice president, according to a statement from the group. In 2014, the group awarded him the National Secretary Emeritus honor in recognition of his 38 years of service on the Hibernians national board.

“His leadership set the standard for generations of Hibernian leaders to come who will seek to emulate, but never surpass him,” National President James McKay said of McNabb.

McCormick, who was the city clerk during most of McNabb’s time on council, described him as a “good old fashioned Irish gentleman” who was very proud of his heritage. She recalled how McNabb would sing Irish tunes in the elevators after happy hour when the council would travel to Albany for conferences.

“He had a great voice and a great sense of humor,” McCormick said.

McNabb was also a family man, Quill said. His daughter is Cayuga County Legislator Aileen McNabb-Coleman.

“Everything he did in life, he did for his family and his community,” Quill said. “He never did anything self-serving, he was quiet and modest about it. He did accomplish a lot for our community and family and he left a legacy for his family that will be hard to out do.”

According to his obituary, McNabb was an Army veteran and a member of the SK Post of the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus. He was a lifelong parishioner of Holy Family Church, where he sang in the choir.

On Thursday, Quill directed the American flag in front of Memorial City Hall to fly at half mast in honor of McNabb. He was also recognized during a moment of silence before the city council meeting Thursday.

Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 5, at Cheche Funeral Home, 1778 Clark St. Road. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Holy Family Church. McNabb will be buried at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.