Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Honors Funeral Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate committee votes to advance resolution honoring funeral director James Sasso
Summary
The Senate Committee on Government Operations voted unanimously to report favorably a resolution recognizing James Sasso for 17½ years of service as a funeral director at Turnbull's Funeral Home; family and colleagues testified in support.
The Senate Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection voted unanimously Thursday to report favorably resolution 36-0007, which would honor James Sasso for his service as a funeral director.
Supporters told the committee that Sasso, a funeral director at Turnbull's Funeral Home and Crematory Services, has provided compassionate, detail-oriented service to grieving families for about 17½ years. Testimony came from family members and community witnesses, including Bernice A. Turnbull and Dr. Kaiser A. Colwood, who described Sasso's handling of funerals, his “farewell walk,” and his attention to ceremony and pallbearer instruction.
The resolution’s sponsor, Senator Angel L. Bolques Jr., did not appear in person but was represented; Senator Ray Fonseca moved the measure and Senator Kenneth L. Gittens seconded the motion. A roll call recorded seven yays: Sen. Avery L. Lewis (chair), Sen. Noble E. Francis Jr., Sen. Ray Fonseca, Sen. Alma Francis Heiliger, Sen. Kenneth L. Gittens, Sen. Franklin D. Johnson and Sen. Carla J. Joseph. The committee clerk reported the resolution will be forwarded to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration and action.
During the hearing, witnesses described Sasso’s practice of preparing the casket and advising pallbearers, his customary guidance on cellphone etiquette during viewings, and a signature procession described by multiple speakers. Sasso himself told the committee he began by helping at funerals while still working as an electrician and later transitioned full time into funeral work because he found it more rewarding.
Several senators praised Sasso for blending solemnity and moments of levity at services and for mentoring relatives who entered mortuary work. Senators also thanked the relatives and Turnbull's Funeral Home staff who attended the hearing.
The resolution is ceremonial: it recognizes Sasso’s contributions and does not create policy or allocate funds. The committee did not discuss amendments to the text during the hearing.
If advanced by rules and judiciary and adopted by the full Legislature, the resolution would formally record the body’s commendation of Sasso’s service to the community.
