(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Chad A. Lupinacci (R,C,I-South Huntington) joined dozens of diners at Applebee’s November 22 to raise funds for the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society in memory of the late Assemblyman Jim Conte.
Organized by his niece, Lisa Farmer, the flapjack breakfast raised funds for the organization ahead of her participation in a half-marathon at Disney World in January in support of the organization and in Conte’s memory.
Assemblyman Chad A. Lupinacci joined dozens of diners at Applebee’s November 22 to raise funds for the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society in memory of the late Assemblyman Jim Conte. Photo Credit: NYS.
“It is deeply satisfying to know that Sunday morning’s pancake breakfast was such a great success,” Lupinacci said. “I applaud Lisa and the entire Conte family for their ongoing efforts in support of finding a cure for blood cancer, and join them in keeping alive in all of our hearts the memory of a beloved public servant.”
Farmer is also running the race in honor of a man who is battling chronic lymphocytic leukemia. His family was on hand for the early-morning festivities in Huntington Station.
During a nearly quarter-century in the legislature, Conte was a tireless advocate for residents of the 10th Assembly District and rose to the rank of Minority Leader Pro Tempore. Twice the recipient of a kidney transplant, Conte particularly distinguished himself as a leading figure in efforts to promote organ donation across the state. He died at the age of 53 on October 16, 2012 after battling T-cell lymphoma.
Conte, a lifelong Huntington Station resident, was first elected to the New York State Assembly in a March 1988 special election. He succeeded Toni Rettaliata-Tepe, who left the Assembly after being elected Huntington Town Supervisor.
