COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, VETERANS

AFFAIRS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION



06/25/2025-REPORTED OUT TO THE FLOOR

05/20/2025-REPORTED OUT TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND JUDICIARY



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.

Co-sponsors: Avery L. Lewis and Ray Fonseca



WHEREAS, the profession of funeral directing is a cornerstone of societal compassion

and empathy; and



WHEREAS, funeral directing offers a vital service that transcends mere ceremonial

duty by providing essential guidance, comfort, and support to individuals and families during

the most heartbreaking and challenging times of their lives; and



WHEREAS, funeral directing serves as a bridge between the living and the departed,

ensuring a respectful and honorable farewell to loved ones while simultaneously offering

solace and a pathway to healing for those left behind; and



WHEREAS, funeral directors stand as pillars of strength and stability, and they foster

a sense of community, continuity, and respect for life’s sacred transitions by helping families

navigate through the complexities of loss, providing a compassionate presence, and

facilitating meaningful ceremonies that honor the life and memory of the departed; and



WHEREAS, in the midst of sorrow and grief, the role of a funeral director extends far



beyond logistical arrangements and ceremonial conduct; it encompasses the profound

2



responsibility of creating a sanctuary of peace, dignity, and reverence, enabling families and

friends to come together in shared mourning and remembrance; and



WHEREAS, through their dedicated service, funeral directors craft an atmosphere that

allows for the expression of grief, the celebration of life, and the beginning of healing; thereby

offering a crucial service to society by upholding the values of empathy, respect, and human

dignity at a time when these are most needed: and



WHEREAS, James Sasso was born on June 26, 1964, in Anguilla, British West Indies,

to the late Claris and Edmund Sasso; and



WHEREAS, James Sasso, having embarked on a fulfilling family life in St. Thomas

over 40 years ago, is married to Risa Sasso and they share three children and three

grandchildren; and



WHEREAS, James Sasso initially pursued a career in electrical engineering and after

serving as an electrician for over 38 years, transitioned to funeral directing, where he

demonstrated a profound passion and dedication to this vital service; and



WHEREAS, James Sasso has been employed at Turmbull’s Funeral Home and

Crematory Services for over 16 years, where he serves as a funeral director, and is also a

certified crematory operator; and



WHEREAS, James Sasso has been recognized numerous times as the No. i Funeral

Director in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, by the Virgin Islands Daily News readers; and



WHEREAS, James Sasso's commitment to excellence in funeral procession etiquette

and the funeral farewell march has set a high standard in the industry, providing comfort,

dignity, and a meaningful farewell to bereaved families during their time of loss; and



WHEREAS, James Sasso’s unique blend of professionalism, compassion, and in-depth



knowledge of the funeral industry has earned him the reputation as a funeral director of “Top



Quality Excellence’; a distinguished gentleman with wisdom, valor, and passion: and a beacon



of light for many during their darkest hours; Now, Therefore,

Ores OAS ~ oy Ne So ed NO



Be it resolved by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands:



SECTION 1. The Legislature of the Virgin Islands, on behalf of the people of the Virgin



Islands, honors and commends James Sasso for the significant impact of his work as a funeral



director, especially in the areas of funeral procession etiquette and the funeral 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 appropriate ceremony held for that purpose.



BILL SUMMARY



This resolution honors and commends James Sasso for his professional achievements tn

funeral directing, and his commitment to providing compassionate care to bereaved families

during their time of loss.



BR25-0058/February 4, 2025/GC