Senate Resolution No. 1685

BY: Senator ORTT

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.