Sunday, August 29, 2021
Our 45 year friendship ran deep, and I can honestly say that I would have trusted him with my life. I never heard anyone say a bad word about him He was my Best Man when Pat and I got married and I can think of no better title for him - he was the best! He loved Karen, Brian, Michele, Kathleen and family and was proud of each of them. The addition of two beautiful granddaughters was icing on the cake.
Jimmy was my Chief of Staff when I was Hempstead's Presiding Supervisor and as such was the steadying hand in town government. No matter how difficult or seemingly impossible the task, he never ran away from a problem and his reputation earned him the respect, admiration and love of our town employees. Jimmy had a great sense of humor, a trait I loved about him, and people used to say that it was the first time in a long time that they heard laughter heard coming from our offices on the 4th floor.
He was thoughtful, kind-hearted and the best friend anyone could ever hope for. His loyalty was steadfast and his sense of right and wrong made him a giant in my eyes. He was an honorable man and I was so very fortunate to have him as my best friend. While these last few years were really tough on Jimmy, Karen and his family, he handled it with his hallmark dignity, courage and grace and we will all miss him terribly. Till we meet again JR, rest in peace.
