Senate Resolution No. 2086

BY: Senator HARCKHAM

MOURNING the death of James Maxwell, 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 Maxwell of Mahopac, New York, died on July 8, 2023,
at the age of 87; and

WHEREAS, Born on November 14, 1935, in Flushing, Queens, New York,
James Maxwell was raised by his parents William A. and Elizabeth
Maxwell; and

WHEREAS, Serving our Nation, James Maxwell joined the United States
Army and later the United States Coast Guard; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to his community, James Maxwell was an NYPD police
officer who served the Queens area in the 23rd, 83rd, 107th precincts
and the 3rd Division vice squad; and

WHEREAS, James Maxwell was the Chairman of the Putnam County
Conservative Party for over 28 years and served for eight years as the
President; and

WHEREAS, A multi-faceted individual, James Maxwell is a member of
the Mahopac Hills Association, the Lake Mahopac Park District, Lake
Mahopac Rotary Club and the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick in the County
of Putnam; and

WHEREAS, On May 31, 1959, James Maxwell married the love of his
life, Josephine Cestaro, at St. Kevin's Church in Queens; and

WHEREAS, James Maxwell enjoyed spending time on Lake Mahopac with
his family after he moved to Mahopac in 1970; he loved boating, was an
avid New York Yankees fan, and had a passion for local politics; and

WHEREAS, James Maxwell distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and

WHEREAS, James Maxwell's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, James Maxwell is survived by his wife, Josephine Cestaro;
his children, Col. James Maxwell, Alayne Melanophy, Joseph Maxwell, and
John Maxwell; his grandchildren, Connor, Kelly, Ryan, Kristen, Jack,
Casey, Jamie, Joseph, and Daniel; he was predeceased by his brother
William and sister, Kathleen Sky; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, James Maxwell 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 Maxwell, distinguished citizen 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 James Maxwell.