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.