LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of James V. McEnery, dedicated
educator, family man, and distinguished citizen

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 V. McEnery of Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York, died on
December 24, 2015, at the age of 99; and
WHEREAS, The youngest of six children, James V. McEnery was born in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 4, 1916, to Michael and Mary Rushton
McEnery; and
WHEREAS, James V. McEnery earned his Bachelor's degree in both Educa-
tion and Latin from St. Joseph's College in Philadelphia, now known as
St. Joseph's University, in 1938; four years later, he received his
Master's degree in English and American literature from the University
of Pennsylvania, where he also did additional postgraduate work; and
WHEREAS, James V. McEnery proudly served his country as a member of
the United States Army during World War II, serving from August of 1942
to January of 1946; during his time in the military, he received several
citations for his valiant service in the Pacific; and
WHEREAS, James V. McEnery distinguished himself in his profession and
by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of
his community; and
WHEREAS, James V. McEnery was teaching at St. Joseph's College when he
met his wife, the former Jane R. Papiano, whom he married in 1947; he
later taught at Ravenhill Academy in Philadelphia before he and his
family moved to New York, where he joined the faculty of the USMA
Preparatory School, then stationed at the former Stewart Air Force Base;
and
WHEREAS, He then went on to teach at Cornwall Central High School
before becoming a member of the founding faculty at Mount Saint Mary
College, Newburgh, New York, when the Sisters of St. Dominic opened the
college in 1960, as a liberal arts college for women; and
WHEREAS, The student body at Mount Saint Mary College consisted of 10
students, and the entire college was housed in a former residence known
as the Villa Madonna; James V. McEnery, who taught English, was the
first lay faculty member of the fledgling college; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure at Mount Saint Mary College, James V.
McEnery helped develop the college's English offerings, teaching a vari-
ety of courses, and chaired the English department from 1970-1977; his
specialties were Anglo-Saxon and 18th Century literature and linguis-
tics; and
WHEREAS, In 1978, James V. McEnery established an award for English
achievement in memory of his wife Jane, who had also supported the
college by participating in many events and functions; he became a
historian of the steady growth of the college, eventually donating a
collection of memorabilia and lecturing on the college's early days
after he retired; and
WHEREAS, Devoted to Mount Saint Mary College, James V. McEnery led
every commencement address from 1971 until his retirement; he was also a
tireless advocate, working phone-a-thons and other fundraising events
and attending nearly every alumni reunion; and
WHEREAS, James V. McEnery received the Mount Saint Mary College Facul-
ty Award for his contributions to the college in 1983; he was recognized
as a dedicated teacher, loyal colleague and gentle counselor; a familiar
presence in his bowtie and cap, he was known as "our Mr. Chips"; and

WHEREAS, In 1985, James V. McEnery was given the Trustees Award, and
was cited for his love for the college and his humanitarian approach to
life; two years later, he retired from his beloved Alma Mater with the
rank of associate professor emeritus; and
WHEREAS, James V. McEnery was a faithful member of St. Thomas of
Canterbury Roman Catholic Church in Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York, where
he served as a lector; and
WHEREAS, During his much deserved retirement, James V. McEnery trav-
eled throughout the United States with his children and on many solo
journeys, reconnecting with family members and visiting landmarks; he
also enjoyed exploring both England and Ireland; and
WHEREAS, An avid sports enthusiast, James V. McEnery enjoyed watching
baseball and was known for his deep knowledge of baseball statistics;
and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his wife Jane in 1977, James V. McEnery is
survived by his son, James V. T. (Cheryl) McEnery; his three daughters,
Mary Anne, Susan (Gary), and Regina; and many nephews, nieces, grandne-
phews, grandnieces, and cousins; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, James V. McEnery 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 V. McEnery, family man, dedicated educator, and
distinguished citizen; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of James V. McEnery.