LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of James Zachary Patsalos,
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 the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, James Zachary Patsalos of Newburgh, New York, died on Friday,
January 29, 2010, at the age of 85; and
WHEREAS, The first son of Zachary and Constance (Mingas) Patsalos,
James Zachary Patsalos was born on December 29, 1924, at home over the
family's candy and ice cream parlor, Patsalos Brothers, located on
Liberty Street in Newburgh; and
WHEREAS, James Zachary Patsalos attended Newburgh schools, graduating
from Newburgh Free Academy in 1942; upon graduation, he enlisted in the
United States Army Air Corps, earning his pilot wings in 1943; and
WHEREAS, Once during his rigorous training program, James Zachary
Patsalos' airplane became stuck in a spin, forcing him to make an emer-
gency ejection, landing by parachute in a Mississippi cotton field; he
visited the site 60 years later, and was given a hero's welcome by the
local community; his Air Corps experience prompted many tales and
reminiscences, usually shared with his dear friend, "Doc" West; and
WHEREAS, After proudly serving in World War II, James Zachary Patsalos
returned to civilian life and entered Colgate University; he graduated
in 1949, and is a member of the President's Club of Colgate in perpetui-
ty; and
WHEREAS, After completing his studies, James Zachary Patsalos returned
to his beloved Newburgh and began his career in the insurance business;
he purchased the venerable firm of Shipp & Osborn, Inc., which he oper-
ated in the tradition of excellence and personal service until he
retired in 1986; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his insurance career, James Zachary Patsalos
became involved in real estate and purchased numerous properties in the
towns of Newburgh and New Windsor during the boom years of Orange County
real estate; and
WHEREAS, James Zachary Patsalos distinguished himself not only in his
profession but also through his sincere dedication and substantial
contribution to the welfare of his community; and
WHEREAS, An exemplary leader, James Zachary Patsalos was elected to
the Newburgh Board of Education in 1963, and served for 28 consecutive
years, four times as President; during this time, he advocated a tone of
respect and cooperation between the Board, Administration, teachers,
students and parents; and
WHEREAS, An avid athlete, James Zachary Patsalos enjoyed playing
basketball, baseball and golf; he truly enjoyed his original Saturday
foursome at the Powelton Club, including John Esterbrook, Bob Macfarland
and Bill Volpe; and
WHEREAS, A beautiful light in the lives of many, James Zachary Patsa-
los loved his family, friends, community, and country; he was greatly
loved in return and will be dearly missed by all those who knew him but
never forgotten; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his sister, Athena Chumas, and his brother,
Theodore Z. Patsalos, James Zachary Patsalos is survived by his wife of
49 years, Peggy-Ann (O'Neill) Patsalos; his three daughters: Constance
Patsalos; Susan (Trevor) Huffard; and Elizabeth (Eric) Benedict; his
brother, The Honorable Pano Z. Patsalos; sisters, Mary Brundage and Dimi

Walsh; and his five grandchildren: Trevor, Lynn, Kristen, Grace and
Jimmy Benedict, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, imbued with a sense of
compassion, and comforted by a loving family, James Zachary Patsalos
leaves behind a legacy which 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 James Zachary Patsalos, distinguished citizen and
devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of James Zachary Patsalos.