James D. Conte

James D. Conte (January 1, 1959 – October 16, 2012)^[1] was an American politician from New York. He served as a Republican New York State Assemblyman for the 10th District from 1988 until his death.

Personal life

Conte was a lifetime resident of Huntington Station.^[1] He attended St. Hugh of Lincoln Elementary School and Huntington High School.^[1] Conte received a B.A. degree in economics and political science from the State University of New York at Stony Brook^[1] in 1982.^[3]

Conte and his wife, the Debra Conte (née Ingalls), resided in Huntington Station. They have three children: Sarah Ashley, Jeffrey James, Samantha Irene.^[3]

Conte was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma in the spring of 2011. In 2012, he chose not to seek another term in office in order to focus on treatment and recovery. Though he received chemotherapy treatments, the cancer continued to spread. Conte died on October 16, 2012, at the age of 53.^[2]

Political career

Conte began his political career as an intern to State Senator James J. Lack and also worked for State Senator Martin J. Knorr.^[1] He worked for Suffolk County Executive Michael LoGrande (1986–87) and served as a legislative aide to Assemblywoman Toni Rettaliata.^[4] Conte was first elected to the New York State Assembly in a special election on March 15, 1988,^[1] filling the position formerly held by Rettaliata.^[4]

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