James Daniel "Jimmy" Durante

REXFORD - James Daniel “Jimmy” Durante of Rexford, NY formerly of Lake George, NY
passed away unexpectedly on December 1, 2023, with family by his side. James
was born November 16, 1942, at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady, NY to Anthony
M. Durante and Carmela Tassone Durante. Two years later his brother and best
friend, Anthony completed their family. Jimmy was a proud 1960 graduate of
Linton High School where he made lifelong friends who meant the world to him.
He worked at Diamante’s to pay for his attendance at Siena College, the Junior
College of Albany, and Russell Sage College, graduating with a degree in
accounting. He was introduced to the love of his life, Sylvia Jean Iovinella at
Lorenzo’s. After receiving the blessing of her brothers and his good friends
Ronnie and Bobby Iovinella, he asked her to marry him. They were married on
June 30, 1968, and their union lasted for over 55 years. They welcomed three
children, Jami, Anthony, and Jodi who were loved beyond measure by their
Father.
James spent the summers of his youth with his family in the Bronx, working on
the family fruit farm on Pilgrim Avenue with his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and
cousins. This is where his deep work ethic was born. He was very proud of his
family name as well as his Italian ancestry and was named after his grandfather.
He passed on this pride to his children and grandchildren and they are forever
graced with that legacy.
After graduation, he went to work building the Gilboa Dam with his father,
brothers-in-law, and cousins. He was a member of the US Air National Guard.
He put his degree in Accounting to work at Ellis Hospital and Urbach, Kahn &
Werlin, C.P.A. before going to Blue Cross where he met Joseph Nichols. Jim and
Joe decided to purchase Hallmark Nursing Centre together and became
business partners for life. This partnership, made of loyalty, friendship, and
respect, served several New York communities and led to many successful
business endeavors for over fifty years.
James dedicated his life to improving the healthcare of the elderly. He was a
former President of the New York State Health Facilities Association which is
dedicated to improving the health and welfare of the chronically ill and the aged.
Jimmy’s expertise was nationally acknowledged and respected; he went on to
serve as President of the American Health Care Association which represents
nursing homes, assisted living communities, and facilities for individuals with
disabilities at a national level. He was appointed to the State Hospital Review &
Planning Council for the State of New York by former Governor Pataki and
proudly served our State overseeing the public health care system. He co-
founded an annual scholarship charity event with his dear friend and colleague
Ed Stafford that has supported the education of future nurses for over thirty
years.
Jimmy was a proud partner in the Houlihan’s, Bellini’s, and Jacob & Anthony’s
restaurants that he co-owned with the Marrello and Nichols Families. He also
owned the Manhattan Exchange in his hometown where he spent so much time
with his brother, Tony and one of his best friends, David DiSarro. He and his
partners, including one of his best friends and brother-in-law Bobby Iovinella as
well as Bobby Adamec, developed many real estate projects and founded
Saratoga Glen Hollow Water Company.
When he wasn’t working, he was handicapping horses and often visited the
thoroughbreds and harness horses he owned in Ocala and Kentucky. He loved
attending Opening Day at Saratoga Race Course as well as the Belmont Stakes
and Breeder’s Cup with his son and some of his closest friends, like Tony
Cristello and Lenny Angers. He was always in for a round of golf and loved
playing with his children, sons-in-law, and grandchildren. He was a past
member of the Edison Club, the Sagamore Golf Club, and the Weston Hills
Country Club where he looked forward to playing with his friends Stan Majak
and Jerry DeAngelus. He especially loved playing at Top O’ the World. He was a
long-serving member of IDAKA and always looked forward to its monthly events,
especially the summer outings hosted by Lenny Dariano and Sammy Donadio.
He traveled extensively and often joked about his adventures shared with
friends, such as finding the best Italian restaurants in Boise or Memphis with
Angelo Rotella.
Jimmy had dreamed of living on Lake George since he rode on the Minne-ha-ha
as a small boy and realized this dream in 1994; he and Sylvia were lucky to live
on the Queen for over 26 years. The Durante Family was gifted with many years
of family memories on the Lake including many family dinners at the Lake
George Club and his good friend Pete Smith’s East Cove Restaurant. He could
often be found captaining his boats on the Lake which were aptly named “It’s
Post Time,” “Sylvia’s Driftwood,” and “The Big Hitter.”
Jimmy was a lifelong Cleveland Indians fan and, even though his beloved Aunt
worked for the Yankees for many years, he loved to mock the team, causing his
children to be diehard Yankees Fans. His allegiance changed when the Yankees
brought up number 99 and he loved to watch every game while wearing his
Judge jersey. He loved attending Miami Dolphins games and spent many
winters in Florida with Sylvia. Music was immensely important to him and he
loved attending concerts with Sylvia. He was the lead singer of "Ziggy and the
Unpaid Bills” (named by his brother-in-law Bobby) and often entertained his
family with his talented ability to sing 1950’s and 1960’s hits.
Jimmy was predeceased by his parents, brother, father, and mother-in-law Silvio
Iovinella and Vincenza Iovinella Palmier, and his brother-in-law Ronald Iovinella.
He was also predeceased by his nephew and godson, whom he considered his
fourth child, Robert “Bobby” Iovinella.
He is survived by his wife Sylvia Durante and his children, Jami Durante
Rogowski and her husband Adam, his son Anthony Durante and his fiancée
Franca DiCrescenzo, and his daughter Jodi Durante-Polsinelli, and her husband
Michael. Jimmy is also survived by his brother-in-law Bobby Iovinella and his
wife Christine, as well as many nieces and nephews whom he adored. He will be
forever remembered by his grandchildren Alexandra, Ariana, Michael Jr., James,
Ella, and Silvio. Lastly, he will be missed greatly by his grandpuppies Rocco,
Mario, and Schotz.
His family was everything to him, as was he to them. His teachings and his
example will forever be the best guidance. He was honorable. He was
courageous. He was honest. There was no one funnier, smarter, or more
dependable. He was the best Husband, Father, and Grandfather. He was the
ultimate protector and supporter of those he loved. There was no one that loved
more. He is and always will be our greatest gift.
Those who wish to make a contribution in Jimmy’s honor are invited to support
the Schenectady County Child Advocacy Center (located at 388 Broadway
Schenectady, New York 12305), in the care of Susan P. Casey.
A Memorial Mass, to which relatives and friends are invited to attend, will be held in James’ honor at St. John the Evangelist Church, 806 Union Street Schenectady, NY on December 9, 2023, at 10am.