Obituary of James J. Lombardi

James Joseph Lombardi age 83 of Lewiston, passed away peacefully on Saturday January 6th, 2018 at Mount St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston after a lengthy illness. Jim will be remembered for his dedication to his family and his love for Lewiston. He will be greatly missed by his daughters and son, sons-in-law and daughter-in-law, grandchildren, family and friends. Jim was born June, 28th, 1934 in Lewiston, NY, the son of the late Felix A. and Norina (Nora Carmasino) Lombardi. He grew up on the family farm located on Ridge Road. He attended the Lewiston Red Brick School House, graduated from Bishop Duffy High School and attended Niagara University where he earned his Intensive Teaching Certification and then his Masters' Degree from Canisius College in 1961. In 1957 he began working for the Niagara Falls City School District where he taught Science and Math. Jim retired in 1992. Jim was also the co-owner, along with his brother Sebastian (Buster) of Lombardi's Farm on Ridge Road. Very much a forward thinker the farm began pasteurizing and homogenizing milk in 1963 and they opened a dairy. Soon after they began making ice cream at the dairy often scooping up more than 27 flavors of creamy deliciousness. Jim combined his love of teaching and the farm together and welcomed many school children to the farm on fieldtrips to learn about farm life, milking cows and raising fruits and vegetables. After Jim's retirement from teaching, he expanded the menu at the dairy alongside his sisters Sunday (Santina) and Virginia. Always keeping his sights on the future, Jim passed the torch to his son Jason and the "Dairy" as it was affectionately called, became, A-1 Land Care in 2004. Jim not only worked hard on the farm and was dedicated to the family business, Jim also worked tirelessly on behalf of his beloved community – The Town of Lewiston. Jim's interest in his civic duty began when he served on the United States Draft Board during the late sixties and early seventies. From there, Jim became involved locally and served the Town of Lewiston as Councilman and Town Supervisor for over 20 years. Jim was instrumental in the planning, development, and construction of the town wide Master Sewer Project. As Supervisor he served on the Planning and Zoning Boards as well as the Niagara County Water and Sewer Board. He also had great interest in developing the parks for the benefit and enjoyment of the citizens of Lewiston. He worked closely with the New York State Power Authority to develop financial assistance for the town. Jim, accustomed to rolling up his sleeves, had a very close relationship with the constituents of Lewiston; never further than a phone call away to help solve any problems they might be having. Many times people would stop by the dairy to discuss improvements that could be made to the town of Lewiston. He cared deeply and was very involved in purposeful progress for expansion and development of Lewiston. He truly loved his town! Jim was a faithful parishioner and usher at St Peter's RC Church, member of the Knights of Columbus as a Knight of Fourth Degree, and prominent member of the Republican Party. He was a longtime member and past president of the Lewiston-Queenston Rotary Club as well as member of the Niagara Frontier Country Club where he learned to enjoy the game of golf from his brother-in-law David. Jim is survived by his four daughters, Janis (Carl Monkelbaan) Lombardi, Lockport; Jayne (David) Sortore, Lewiston; Joyce (late David) Trietley, of Tonawanda; Jerri (Anthony ) Presutti, Lewiston; a son, Jason(Jennifer)Lombardi, Lewiston; his grandchildren, Jessica Shepard, Jenna (Luke) Farley, Daniel Hill, Cailey Wright, Corey Trietley, Angelina, Vincent and James Presutti, Jacob and Jared Lombardi ; two sisters, Mildred (late Anthony) Terrameo and Mary Hibbard; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by son James (Jimmy) and sons-in-law Jeffrey Wright and David Trietley; two brothers, Sebastian (Olga) Lombardi and Felix (Nellie) Lombardi; four sisters, Ida (Ervin) Lewis, Adelaide (William) Baker, and Santina (Howard) James; and Virginia (David) Lass. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Streets, Lewiston on Tuesday from 6 - 8 PM. and Wednesday, from 2 - 4, and 6 - 8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 11, at 10:00 AM in St. Peter RC Church, 600 Center St., follow in Gate Lewiston, with the Rev. Daniel A. Young officiating. (Please assemble at Church). Burial will of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston. Memorials may be made to St. Peter R.C. Church Capital Campaign, Lewiston, NY 14092.