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.