James J. Delmonico's Obituary
After a long life well-lived, James J. Delmonico, loving father and grandfather, passed away this Saturday, January 21, just five days shy of his 92nd birthday. He is predeceased by his wife Margaret, his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, to whom he was married for 67 years. He is survived by his sons, James (Marcia) and Joel (Christine), and his daughter Melissa Hart (Guy). He spent the early part of his career at General Electric. After 5 years in manufacturing, he became Manager of Labor Relations for GE at Electronics Park in Syracuse, which employed over 22,000 individuals at the time. In this position, he had responsibility for the negotiation and administration of the division's labor contracts at all plant locations, plus the company's broadcast and cable operations. He was transferred to Schenectady in 1968 where he was named Vice President of both GE Broadcasting and GE Cablevision Corporation. In 1974, he was named Vice President and General Manager of WGY and WGFM radio stations and WRGB Television. He contributed greatly to his community, including founding the WGY's Christmas Wish and WRGB's Melodies of Christmas benefits for local children's hospitals, both of which continue to be successful today. He was a charter member of the following boards: Capital District Hospice, Arts Center & Theatre of Schenectady, Proctors Independent Living , Empire State Aero Sciences Museum and was the President of the LeMoyne College Industrial Relations Council. He has served on the boards of The Salvation Army, The American Red Cross, The University Foundation at Albany Ellis Hospital Board of Managers, Wildwood School for the Learning Disabled and was a voting member of the Board of Directors of Empire Blue Cross. He served as a Director and Vice Chairman of the Albany Chamber of Commerce. He received the American Red Cross Samuel Bateman Award and was named the Capital District Italian American Man of the Year in 1985. His philanthropic service set an example for the next generations of his family. Mr. Delmonico was a Director and Chairman of the New York State Broadcaster's Association. He was awarded the Association's Delaney Cuneen Award in 1991 for his significant and lasting contributions to the broadcasting industry. He was the National President of the Broadcaster's Foundation of America. He retired as President and General Manager of WRGB Television in 1987, and returned to his hometown of Syracuse, NY. He was inducted into the New York State Broadcaster's Hall of Fame in 2005. After all of his career successes and accomplishments, nothing brought him more joy than his family. He was unendingly proud of his 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, who were the joy of his life. He had a remarkable curiosity about life and never failed to keep up with the times - as evidenced by watching his grandson's wedding this past fall, via Face Time on his iPad at age 91. He was an unmatched storyteller and captivated an audience across all generations. He had a marvelous knack for details, and no story was told without the specific facts included (whether or not they were necessary to the audience; they were to him). He made instant friends with anyone he came into contact with in his daily routines. He had a lifelong love of great automobiles, which began with his first Model A Ford and ended with his Mercedes convertible that he drove every day. He was full of life and vitality and brought joy to all those around him, up until he was reunited with his beloved wife. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Because we had him in our lives, we laughed more, smiled wider and felt great love. A calling hour will be from 9:30 am to 10:30 am on Tuesday, January 24th, at Blessed Sacrament Church, with a funeral mass to follow at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice of CNY, 990 Seventh North St., Liverpool, NY 13088 or Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County Imagination Library, online or by check to: Community Foundation 431 E. Fayette St Syracuse, NY 13202.
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