Long Island Assemblyman James Conte, whose struggle with T-cell lymphoma led him to forgo a bid for another term after more than 20 years of service, has died. He was 53.
Conte, a Republican, was a lifelong resident of Huntington Station. He came to the Assembly as the winner of a 1988 special election after having worked for state Sens. James Lack and Martin Knorr and also for Assemblywoman Toni Rettaliata. A graduate of SUNY Stony Brook, Conte was a well-known voice for organ and tissue donation (as well as a transplant recipient).
Said Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb, "Long Island has lost one of its most dedicated and honorable public servants – and my Assembly colleagues and I have lost our dear friend, respected colleague and trusted mentor as Jim Conte was delivered into God's loving grace this morning.
"Throughout his life, Jim was first, foremost and always a fighter: he fought tirelessly for his Long Island community and his constituents, fought to make New York State a better place for families and fought as a champion for organ and tissue donation to save lives and help ease suffering. To Jim, this was more than just an issue – it was a cause that moved him deeply because it touched him personally. Thanks to Jim's tireless advocacy, more New Yorkers now have the opportunity to donate and receive the gift of life. Lots of politicians talk about affecting change. Jim Conte actually made it happen.
"When in recent years Jim faced new challenges, he could have walked away from the Assembly with no regrets; he had served his constituents, community and State for more than two decades with honor and distinction, always standing on principle, unafraid of fighting the good fight and taking on the toughest challenges. Walking away and quitting were never in Jim's vocabulary. Not only did he continue serving his Long Island constituents, Jim took on new responsibilities and an important role as our Floor Leader. He did an incredible job advocating for our policies and principles with passion, good humor and true class.
"More than all of his impressive legislative achievements and 24 years of faithful service as a State Assemblyman, I will always remember Jim Conte, the man: the loving husband, the caring father, the generous friend, the proud Long Islander. With Jim, politics was never personal. He believed that our opponents were not our enemies and that the angels of our better nature should always carry the day. Jim knew that there was more, much more, to life than just politics and you could see that through the abiding love he had for his family.
"Everyone who served with Jim will miss him dearly, and I will miss my friend deeply. Our entire Assembly family sends its thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences to his wife Debra and their children Sarah, Jeffrey and Samantha."
Said Gov. Cuomo in a statement this afternoon, "It is with great sadness that we hear news of the passing of Jim Conte, who served Long Island residents and our entire state for more than two decades as a member of the Assembly. Throughout his career, Jim was an outspoken advocate on important issues facing not just his constituents and community, but all New Yorkers. He fought to increase awareness for tissue and organ donation and boost enrollment in donor registry, so those needing vital transplants could be given a new hope for life.
"The passage of 'Lauren's Law' this year reflected Jim's dedication and commitment to this important issue. In addition, Jim has worked for years to protect Long Island's beautiful natural habitats to ensure the region's shores and beaches could be enjoyed by visitors and residents for years to come. Above all else, Jim will be remembered for his kindness and genuine concern for the wellbeing of others, and with his passing, our state has lost a true public servant and a man of integrity and character. We will miss Jim, and on behalf of all New Yorkers, I send my condolences to his friends and family."
Said Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, "With profound sadness, the members of the New York State Assembly mark the passing of our esteemed colleague and friend, the Honorable James D. Conte, who succumbed to cancer after a long and courageous battle. Jim was elected to the Assembly in March of 1988, and served his hometown of Huntington Station and all of the residents of the 10th Assembly District with grace and distinction. A leader committed to improving education in the state, Jim will always be remembered for his intensely personal and passionate campaign to increase organ and tissue donation in the State of New York.
"Devoted to a life of public service, Jim Conte was admired and respected on both sides of the aisle and throughout the halls of government. It was an honor and a privilege to serve in the Assembly with him.
"As we mourn our friend, our thoughts and prayers are with the Conte Family and with Jim's many friends. May he rest in peace."
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