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—:1- i • -. 05/20/2025-REPORTED OUT TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND JUDICIARY a COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, VETERANS AFFAIRS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION BILL NO. 36-0007 4 - • -Is February27,2025 •• :1:. Thirty-Sixth Legislature of the Virgin Islands •1,”; A Resolution honoring and commending James Sasso for distinguished service in the mortuary and funeral service industry PROPOSED BY: Senator Angel L. Boiques, Jr. Co-sponsors: Avery L. Lewis and Ray Fonseca and empathy; and 3 4 6 1 - WHEREAS, the profession of funeral directing is a cornerstone ofsocietal compassion 2 WHEREAS, funeral directing offers a vital service that transcends mere ceremonial duty by providing essential guidance, comfort, and support to individuals and families dunng 5 the most heartbreaking and challenging times of their lives, and WHEREAS, funeral directing serves as a bridge between the living and the departed, 7 ensuring a respectful and honorable farewell to loved ones while simultaneously offering 8 solace and a pathway to healing for those left behind; and 9 ‘WHEREAS, funeral directors stand as pillars of strength and stability, and they foster 10 a sense of community, continuity, and respect for life’s sacred transitions by helping families 11 navigate through the complexities of loss, providing a compassionate presence, and 12 facilitating meaningful ceremonies that honor the life and memory of the departed; and 13 WHEREAS, in the midst of sorrow and grief, the role of a funeral director extends far 14 beyond logistical arrangements and ceremonial conduct; it encompasses the profound : —ç • • tj II U - - ‘1 - 2 1 responsibility of creating a sanctuary of peace, dignity, and reverence, enabling families and 2 Mends to come together in shared mourning and remembrance; and 3 IIVHEREAS, through their dedicated service, funeral directors craft an atmosphere that 4 allows for the expression of grief, the celebration of life, and the beginning of healing; thereby 5 offering a crucial service to society by upholding the values of empathy, respect, and human -‘ 6 dignity at a time when these are most needed; and 7 WhEREAS, James Sasso was born on June 26, 1964, in Anguilla, British West Indies, 8 to the late Clans and Edmund Sasso, and 9 WHEREAS, James Sasso, having embarked on a fulfilling family life in St. Thomas 10 over 40 years ago, is married to Risa Sasso and they share three children and three II grandchildren; and 12 WHEREAS, James Sasso initially pursued a career in electrical engineering and after 13 serving as an electrician for over 38 years, transitioned to funeral directing, where he 14 demonstrated a profound passion and dedication to this vital service, and 15 ‘WHEREAS, James Sasso has been employed at Tumbull ‘s Funeral Home and 16 Crematory Services for over 16 years, where he serves as 17 certified crematory operator, and 18 WHEREAS, James Sasso has been recognized numerous times as the No 1 Funeral fltr 19 Director in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, by the Virgin Islands Daily News readers; and 20 WHEREAS, James Sasso’s commitment to excellence in funeral procession etiquette 21 and the funeral farewell march has set a high standard in the industry, providing comfort, 22 dignity, and a meaningful farewell to bereaved families during their time of loss; and 23 WHEREAS, James Sasso’s unique blend of professionalism, compassion, and in-depth 24 knowledge of the funeral industry has earned him the reputation as a funeral director of “Top 25 Quality Excellence”; a distinguished gentleman with wisdom, valor, and passion; and a beacon 26 of light for many during their darkest hours; Now, Therefore, 3 Be it resolved by the Legislature ofthe Virgin Islands: SECTION 1. The Legislature ofthe ViriJs1ands, on behalfof the people of the Virgin Islands, honors and commends James Sassa. for the significant impact of his work as a funeral director, especially in the areas of funeral procession etiquette and the fimeral farewell march, and for the comfort and guidance he provides to numerous families in their times of grief. SECTION 2. In recognition and appreciation of his many years of extraordinary dedication, compassion, service and professionalism in his service in the funeral industry, the President of the Legislature, or the President’s designee, shall present a perma plaque copy of this Resolution to James Sasso at an appropnate ceremony held for that purpose BILL SUMMARY This resolution honors and commends James Sasso for his professional achievements in funeral directing, and his commitment to providing compassionate care to bereaved families during their time of loss. BR2S-Oo58fFebruary 4, 2025/GC