James E. Girzone

Troy- James E. Girzone "Jim", 85, passed away suddenly on Sunday, July 22, 2018 with his wife by his side. Jim was the son of the late Peter and Margaret Girzone. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Dolores Girzone and his two daughters, Jennifer M. Girzone-Palmetto (Darin) and Jeannine Girzone Burkhardt (Patrick). He is also survived by his one special grandson, Keegan J. Burkhardt.

He was a graduate of Vincentian High School and then went on to serve in the United States Navy. Jim was stationed at Bethesda Naval Hospital where he lovingly cared for Ikey, Dolores's brother, who was wounded in the Korean War. From this tragedy he developed a strong bond with Esther, Dolores's mother, as well as Dolores. Their love blossomed from there and they married 10 years later.

Following his honorable discharge he went on to graduate from Siena College. Jim began his working career with Rensselaer County as a probation officer while attending SUNY Albany completing his Masters in Social Work. He then went on become the Commissioner of the Youth Bureau and was instrumental in the passage of legislation to establish state subsidies for youth programs in New York. He was a nationally recognized public official active in the promotion of better services to youth.
Although Jim battled with debilitating back and leg problems he traveled across the country with two crutches to fight for a humane social and juvenile justice policy ensuring proper development of organizational prevention services. He then served as Deputy County Executive of Rensselaer County as part of John Buono's administration. Following his retirement he was appointed by Governor Pataki to serve on the Juvenile Justice Advisory Group.

Jim was second oldest of twelve children and his survived by, Edward Girzone (Kathleen), Margaret Mary Girzone, Lorraine Bashant (Lester), Mary Girzone (Peter Mueller), Cecelia Petrie, Bernadette Conrad (John), Frances Girzone, Edmund Girzone (Carmela) and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Jim is predeceased by his siblings Father Joseph Girzone, Eleanor McHenry and William Girzone.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the Troy Fire & Police Departments and the E.R. staff at Samaritan Hospital, especially E.R. nurse, Anne.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Jim's name to either, CampaignForYouthJustice.org or GirlsInc.org which, inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Road, Watervliet, New York 12189. A funeral service will be held on Thursday at 9:30am at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.