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Remembering Jim Sebesta
February 2, 2023
Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:
Here is my letter to the editor of the Cornwall Local, memorializing Cornwall-on-Hudson Head Mechanic James P. Sebesta and published on front page of Cornwall Local today:
Madam Editor:
Our Village family is grieving. Last week, following a brief illness, Cornwall-on-Hudson Head Mechanic James Paul Sebesta, 55, passed away while surrounded by loving family. Tragically, the sudden, unexpected loss has devastated the Sebesta family – longtime Cornwall residents, including two siblings who also serve our community as public servants. Sebesta’s passing has deeply affected Village employees who worked closely with him across the nearly 23 years he served within our Department of Public Works. Our DPW Superintendent Dave Halvorsen shared this with me: “Jim Sebesta took great pride in his work. He was always up for the challenge. If he didn’t have the tool he needed for a job – he would make one. His gift was fabrication; anything from storage racks, snow plow blades, and street sweeper accessories. He often selflessly put in time after work to assist employees with their personal vehicle issues.”
Jim’s older sister, Paula Sebesta-Howard, our Deputy Village Treasurer, allowed that her baby brother “loved tinkering with machines at a very young age.” Paula explained to me that when Jim was a child, he earned his knack for small engine repair by countless hours spent disassembling and reassembling engines with their father. Understandably emotional, she shared his three primary loves: Family (especially his grandkids), Camping, and NASCAR. I also know that Jim loved being an older brother to his little sister – Kristen Sebesta-Boyle. Kristen served as COVAC president for many years and spent countless hours serving our community in the emergency services realm. Witnessing her softly weep on the shoulder of Jim’s boss, Dave Halvorsen, on Thursday pulled on more heartstrings than I care to count.
In my current role, I had innumerable encounters with Jim, as he fiercely advocated for his guys as an elected CSEA representative. He was a fierce negotiator on matters that impacted “his guys” and his insight and command of the facts were something that he jokingly reminded me were coming from “a simple BOCES graduate.” That humility applied the perfect patina to his rough and tumble mien. There was nothing “simple” about Jim Sebesta. He accomplished more in 55 years than most could in a century. He will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, Brother.
May his memory be a blessing.
On Behalf of the Village Board,
James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano
Mayor, Cornwall-on-Hudson

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    Jim Sebesta

    January 26, 2023

     

    Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:

    This is a message I dread having to share. This morning, at approximately 5:15 a.m., our Head Mechanic, Jim Sebesta, passed away. Surrounded by loving family at Westchester Medical Center, he fought a short, heroic battle for life. I have been in contact with both of his sisters – Paula Sebesta-Howard, our Deputy Village Treasurer and Kristen Sebesta-Boyle, who served our community for years as a first responder and president of COVAC. Suffice it to say, our Department of Public Works employees who knew Jim well and worked alongside him for many years, are devastated and distraught.

    Jim was hired by the Village on April 10, 2000. For almost 23 years, he served our community with honor and distinction. As our Head Mechanic, he turned enough wrenches and made enough critical mechanical decisions across decades to keep our vehicle fleet safe and operational -- in order to deliver services that Village residents have become accustomed to and which they richly deserve.

    My experiences in this position with Jim are related to CSEA union matters when he acted as a delegate and would respectfully come see me to discuss a contractual matter. He was a fierce advocate for “the men” – as he referred to his colleagues. And no matter how passionately he argued a point, he was respectful and civil. His last words to me several weeks ago: “Okay, Boss, I hear you. However, you know I have to speak up for my guys.”

    THAT, was the essence of Jim Sebesta.

    We, as a Village team are reeling. And we will honor our fallen member.

    At my direction, flags within the Village have been lowered to half-mast. They will remain in this posture until our brother has been appropriately buried. Black and purple mourning bunting has been applied to the outside of Village Hall and to a vehicle in front of our DPW Building on Shore Road.

    I’d like to personally thank Town Supervisor Josh Wojehowski and Highway Department Superintendent Tommy Gschwind. At the Supervisor’s direction, Town of Cornwall flags have been lowered to half-mast, as well, to honor Jim Sebesta. As Tommy told me today in a message expressing his condolences – “We are ONE Cornwall.” I will keep everyone apprised -- once funeral arrangements and services have been scheduled by the family. 

    With heavy heart,

    James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

    Mayor, Cornwall-on-Hudson



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