Honor Vincent DeSantis, Jr.

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.