James Joseph Lombardi, age 83, of Lewiston, died peacefully after a lengthy illness on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018, at Mount St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston.
Lombardi 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.
He was born June 28, 1934 in Lewiston, 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, Lombardi began working for the Niagara Falls City School District, where he taught science and math. He retired in 1992.
Lombardi was also the co-owner of Lombardi's Farm on Ridge Road, along with his brother, Sebastian (Buster). Very much a forward-thinker, Lombardi worked to enable the farm to begin pasteurizing and homogenizing milk in 1963. Soon after, he and his brother opened a dairy. They began making ice cream at the dairy - often scooping up more than 27 flavors of creamy deliciousness.
Lombardi combined his love of teaching and the farm, and welcomed many school children on fieldtrips to learn about farm life, milking cows and raising fruits and vegetables.
After his retirement from teaching, he expanded the menu at the dairy alongside his sisters, Sunday (Santina) and Virginia. Always keeping his sights on the future, Lombardi passed the torch to his son, Jason, and the "Dairy," as it was affectionately called, became A-1 Land Care in 2004.
Lombardi not only worked hard on the farm and was dedicated to the family business, but also worked tirelessly on behalf of his beloved community: the Town of Lewiston.
His interest in his civic duty began when he served on the U.S. Draft Board during the late '60s and early '70s. From there, Lombardi became involved locally and served the Town of Lewiston as councilman and town supervisor for over 20 years.
Lombardi was instrumental in the planning, development and construction of the townwide 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 Power Authority to develop financial assistance for the town.
Lombardi, accustomed to rolling up his sleeves, had a very close relationship with the constituents of Lewiston - he was never further than a phone call away and eager to help solve any problems. Many times, people would stop by the dairy to discuss improvements that could be made to the town.
He cared deeply and was very involved in purposeful progress for expansion and development of Lewiston. He truly loved his town!
Lombardi was a faithful parishioner and usher at St. Peter's R.C. Church, a 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 of Lockport, Jayne (David) Sortore of Lewiston, Joyce (late David) Trietley of Tonawanda and Jerri (Anthony) Presutti of Lewiston; a son, Jason (Jennifer) Lombardi of 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, North Fourth and Ridge streets, Lewiston on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, at St. Peter R.C. Church, 600 Center St. Ceremonies will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, with the Rev. Daniel A. Young officiating. (Please assemble at the church). Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston.
Memorials may be made to St. Peter R.C. Church capital campaign.
