Bill Text: NY K00747 | 2023-2024 | General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourning the death of Deacon James V. Cantella, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2024-01-16 - adopted [K00747 Detail]

Download: New_York-2023-K00747-Introduced.html

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Assembly Resolution No. 747

BY: M. of A. Norris

        MOURNING  the  death  of Deacon James V. Cantella,
        distinguished citizen  and  devoted  member  of  his
        community

  WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens  of  the  State  of  New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life  in  their  communities  and  this
great Empire State; and

  WHEREAS,  Deacon  James  V.  Cantella of Somerset, New York, died on
Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at the age of 59; and

  WHEREAS, James V. Cantella was born to the late James P. and  Janice
(Johnson)  Cantella  in Rochester, New York, on November 16, 1963; after
high school, he earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics and a master's
degree in education from SUNY Buffalo; later, he attended SUNY Brockport
to obtain a second master's degree in school administration, followed by
a third master's degree in arts and pastoral studies from St.  Bernard's
School of Theology and Ministry; and

  WHEREAS, Deacon James V. Cantella's commitment to excellence and his
spirit of humanity carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and

  WHEREAS,  As  a  coach  and  lifeguard, Deacon James V. Cantella was
dedicated  to  serving  others,  and  he  was  the  overseer  of  summer
recreation  and  adult  education  for  many  years; his 33-year career,
teaching mathematics  at  Barker  Central  School,  concluded  with  his
retirement  in  2021;  on  May  20, 2023, he was ordained as a permanent
deacon with the Buffalo Catholic Dioceses; and

  WHEREAS, A pillar of his community, Deacon James V. Cantella was the
"go-to guy" for tech support and electronics repair, and a  handyman  to
many;  he was active as a council member and catechist of St. Brendan on
the Lake Parish in  Newfane,  New  York,  and  the  coordinator  of  the
Catholic Charities of the Buffalo, New York, area; and

  WHEREAS, Deacon James V. Cantella was a member of the spiritual care
team  at  Roswell  Park  Comprehensive  Cancer Center and the Knights of
Columbus No. 319; additionally, he acted as the assistant  troop  leader
for Boy Scouts of America Troop 26; and

  WHEREAS,  For  his  tireless  devotion  to  the  Barker,  New  York,
community, Deacon James V. Cantella received the  Lions  Club's  Richard
Uplinger  Distinguished  Service  Award;  he attained distinction in his
profession,  known  for   his   sincere   dedication   and   substantial
contribution to the welfare of his community; and

  WHEREAS,  Deacon  James  V.  Cantella is survived by his wife, Maria
(Conti)  Cantella;  mother,  Janice;  children,  Jim   (Laurel),   Peter
(Rachel),  Marianna  (Larry) Giorgi, and Joe; sister, Lisa (Dan Reeder);
sons, Michael (David Scott) and David (Pam); grandchildren, Jimmy, Emmy,
Jack, and Evelyn; sister-in-law, Laurie; and several nieces and nephews;

he is predeceased by his father, James P.  Cantella,  and  his  brother,
Steve Cantella; and

  WHEREAS,  Armed  with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Deacon James V. Cantella leaves behind a  legacy  that  will
long  endure  the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory
to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
mourn  the  death of Deacon James V. Cantella and to express its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further

  RESOLVED, That a copy of this  Resolution,  suitably  engrossed,  be
transmitted to the family of Deacon James V. Cantella.