Senate Resolution No. 232

BY: Senator LITTLE

MOURNING the death of The Honorable Vincent J.
DeSantis, Jr., renowned public servant, long-time
fourth grade teacher and devoted member of his
community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly
the death of certain prominent individuals whose valued contributions to
their community and their profession served to enhance the quality of
life in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Vincent J. DeSantis, Jr., former Mayor of the city of Glens
Falls, New York, died on Tuesday, October 2, 2018, at the age of 91; and

WHEREAS, Vincent J. DeSantis, Jr., was born to Italian immigrant
parents on October 15, 1926, in Glens Falls where he grew up on the East
End, and graduated from St. Mary's Academy in 1944; and

WHEREAS, From 1945-1946, Vincent J. DeSantis, Jr. proudly served his
country as a member of the United States Army during World War II; after
his discharge with the rank of Technician Grade 5, he earned his
bachelor's degree from Villanova University in 1950; he then attended
both Fordham and Albany Law School before returning to the north country
where he graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh in 1961; and

WHEREAS, Vincent J. DeSantis, Jr. began his long and distinguished
teaching career in a small schoolhouse in Corinth, New York; he then
taught in the nearby community of Queensbury before coming to Harrison
Avenue Elementary School in South Glens Falls where he taught fourth
grade for three decades; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Vincent J. DeSantis, Jr.,
affectionately known as Mr. D. to his students, brought an
uncompromising standard of excellence to his work and a warm sense of
caring and concern to every young person he educated; he cherished his
role as an educator and truly cared for each and every one of his
students; and

WHEREAS, During the summer months, Vincent J. DeSantis, Jr. kept
busy working as an associate in the law office of Francis Monda, ESQ,
supervising the Youth Conservation Corps, and tending bar at the Glens
Falls Country Club and Heritage Hall; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to his community, Vincent J. DeSantis, Jr. served
as Glens Falls City Assessor for two terms; in 1994, he was elected
Mayor of the city of Glens Falls and served for the next three years; in
this capacity, he was instrumental in beginning the economic
revitalization of downtown Glens Falls by starting a program to improve
building facades and bringing Davidson Brothers Brew Pub to the city;
and

WHEREAS, In addition to his role of civic leader, Vincent J.
DeSantis, Jr. was involved in his beloved community in various
capacities including President of St. Mary's Alumni Association and the

Italian American Club, local liaison to Villanova University, and active
member of the Glens Falls Housing Authority; and

WHEREAS, Vincent J. DeSantis, Jr. was an honorary life member of
BPOE Lodge No. 81, where he served as exalted ruler from 1972-1973; he
also held the positions of District Deputy of G. E. R. Northeastern
District from 1975-1976, and New York State Association trustee from
1977-1978; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, this remarkable man was an honorary life
member 4th degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus and was actively
involved with United Commercial Travelers; the New York Guard, Company
K; Glens Falls American Legion Post No. 253; and the Marine Corp
Memorial Detachment No. 2 League; and

WHEREAS, A devout Catholic, Vincent J. DeSantis, Jr. was a long-time
congregant and communicant of St. Mary's Church where he served as a
lector and a member of the Parish Council and Usher's Association; and

WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his
community, Vincent J. DeSantis, Jr. was selected as a 2016 Grand Marshal
of the Glens Falls/Queensbury Memorial Day Parade; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his wife of 63 years, the former Shirley
Crumbaker; his parents, Vincenzo and Anna (Milani) DeSantis; two
brothers, Philip and Emilio; and two sisters, Giovina Nolan and Caroline
Church; Vincent J. DeSantis, Jr., is survived by his six children,
Raymond (Esperanza), Vincent DeSantis III, Joseph (Nancy) and John (Mary
Ellen), Mary and Kathleen (Andrew) Thomson; six grandchildren, Sarah
(Eryn), Alex, Tony, Nick, Dalton and Hope; and his niece and
goddaughter, Nancy; as well as several other nieces, nephews and many
dear friends; and

WHEREAS, Vincent J. DeSantis, Jr., was sincerely loved and greatly
respected by all those with whom he worked; committed to his community,
the people he represented, his State, and his Nation, he served his
public with dignity, dedication and incisive wisdom; and

WHEREAS, Over a long and meritorious life of service on behalf of
others, Vincent J. DeSantis, Jr., was a man of action, of integrity, and
of commitment, whose true compassion was generously given to all who
knew him; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit, and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Vincent J. DeSantis, Jr., 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
mourn the death of The Honorable Vincent J. DeSantis, Jr., renowned
public servant, long-time fourth grade teacher and devoted member of his
community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of The Honorable Vincent J. DeSantis, Jr.