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COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, VETERANS AFFAIRS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION BILL NO. 36-0007 Thirty-Sixth Legislature of the Virgin Islands February 27, 2025 A Resolution honoring and commending James Sasso for distinguished service in the mortuary and funeral service industry PROPOSED BY: Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr. WHEREAS, the profession of funeral directing is a cornerstone of societal compassion 1 and empathy; and 2 WHEREAS, funeral directing offers a vital service that transcends mere ceremonial 3 duty by providing essential guidance, comfort, and support to individuals and families during 4 the most heartbreaking and challenging times of their lives; and 5 WHEREAS, funeral directing serves as a bridge between the living and the departed, 6 ensuring a respectful and honorable farewell to loved ones while simultaneously offering 7 solace and a pathway to healing for those left behind; and 8 WHEREAS, funeral directors stand as pillars of strength and stability, and they foster 9 a sense of community, continuity, and respect for life’s sacred transitions by helping families 10 navigate through the complexities of loss, providing a compassionate presence, and 11 facilitating meaningful ceremonies that honor the life and memory of the departed; and 12 WHEREAS, in the midst of sorrow and grief, the role of a funeral director extends far 13 beyond logistical arrangements and ceremonial conduct; it encompasses the profound 14 2 responsibility of creating a sanctuary of peace, dignity, and reverence, enabling families and 1 friends to come together in shared mourning and remembrance; and 2 WHEREAS, through their dedicated service, funeral directors craft an atmosphere that 3 allows for the expression of grief, the celebration of life, and the beginning of healing; thereby 4 offering a crucial service to society by upholding the values of empathy, respect, and human 5 dignity at a time when these are most needed; and 6 WHEREAS, James Sasso was born on June 26, 1964, in Anguilla, British West Indies, 7 to the late Claris and Edmund Sasso; and 8 WHEREAS, James Sasso, having embarked on a fulfilling family life in St. Thomas 9 over 40 years ago, is married to Risa Sasso and they share three children and three 10 grandchildren; and 11 WHEREAS, James Sasso initially pursued a career in electrical engineering and after 12 serving as an electrician for over 38 years, transitioned to funeral directing, where he 13 demonstrated a profound passion and dedication to this vital service; and 14 WHEREAS, James Sasso has been employed at Turnbull’s Funeral Home and 15 Crematory Services for over 16 years, where he serves as a funeral director, and is also a 16 certified crematory operator; and 17 WHEREAS, James Sasso has been recognized numerous times as the No. 1 Funeral 18 Director in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, by the Virgin Islands Daily News readers; and 19 WHEREAS, James Sasso's commitment to excellence in funeral procession etiquette 20 and the funeral farewell march has set a high standard in the industry, providing comfort, 21 dignity, and a meaningful farewell to bereaved families during their time of loss; and 22 WHEREAS, James Sasso’s unique blend of professionalism, compassion, and in-depth 23 knowledge of the funeral industry has earned him the reputation as a funeral director of “Top 24 Quality Excellence”; a distinguished gentleman with wisdom, valor, and passion; and a beacon 25 of light for many during their darkest hours; Now, Therefore, 26 3 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands: 1 SECTION 1. The Legislature of the Virgin Islands, on behalf of the people of the Virgin 2 Islands, honors and commends James Sasso for the significant impact of his work as a funeral 3 director, especially in the areas of funeral procession etiquette and the funeral farewell march, 4 and for the comfort and guidance he provides to numerous families in their times of grief. 5 SECTION 2. In recognition and appreciation of his many years of extraordinary 6 dedication, compassion, service and professionalism in his service in the funeral industry, the 7 President of the Legislature, or the President’s designee, shall present a perma plaque copy of 8 this Resolution to James Sasso at an appropriate ceremony held for that purpose. 9 BILL SUMMARY 10 This resolution honors and commends James Sasso for his professional achievements in 11 funeral directing, and his commitment to providing compassionate care to bereaved families 12 during their time of loss. 13 BR25-0058/February 4, 2025/GC 14