Obituary of James T. Stento

James Thomas Stento, accomplished excavator, beloved husband, esteemed father and grandfather, movie lover, sideline sports coach and generous soul, passed away at his home on Thursday, June 26, 2014. He was born to James (Nunziato) Stento and Genevieve Dennison in Binghamton, NY. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 59 fantastic years, Judy Vitanza Stento. He is also survived by his sister, Rosalie; sister-in-law, Joyce Stento and predeceased by his brother Bernard Stento. Jim's pride and joy were his kids and grandkids. His brood included his kids, Stacy Stento Ludovici, Jim (Carol) Stento, Greg (Betsy) Stento, Andy (Laura) Stento, Paula (Morten) Jorgensen and grandkids, Mary and Amy Ludovici, Jenna, Jimmy, Kate, Dawson, Julia, Stephen, Aubrey and Sydney Stento, Christian and Sophia Jorgensen. Grampy was our biggest fan following the grands to soccer, basketball and tennis, rowing, dancing and any other pursuit we followed. He loved playing golf with his boys and watching sports especially his favorite Yankees, Syracuse basketball and golf. Jim enjoyed classical music and it resounded in the car on our many road trips. He played both the clarinet and sax at Binghamton Central HS. He attended Clarkson University until he followed his father and brother into the family business, James Stento Excavating, responsible for excavating and grading many of the homes in our area including commercial buildings and IBM. He was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War to build landing strips. This fueled his love of all things patriotic including every Sousa march and Boston Pops American tribute; as well as John Wayne war movies. Upon his return to the states, he met the woman of his dreams, settled down and started a family. Jim was a lucky guy. He played the lottery like a religion. He was always waiting for his big win. He and Judy played rummy every afternoon and our family pinochle tournaments were legendary. He watched The Price is Right and played every game. Jim was a world traveler. He and Judy took winter trips to the Caribbean. He was chauffeured around Europe by Paula, touring the continent. He and Judy went back to Spain, England and Morocco. Jim LOVED anything you cooked for him. He loved all things sweet. He never met a hot fudge sundae that he could resist. He loved Chardonnay. He hated tight collars and was rarely seen with a tie. His uniform was a plaid shirt from the design house of L.L. Bean and khaki pants when we could get him to dress. He told us frequently that he had beautiful feet and a full head of hair. He loved old movies, especially The Quiet Man. He loved Happy Hour, a great Manhattan and Sinatra songs. We are convinced that My Way was written for Jim. He was proud of his Italian heritage, meatballs and red sauce ran in his veins. He loved conversing with people and was always smiling. Jim was a founding member of St. Vincent de Paul Blessed Sacrament Church, a member of American Legion Post 89 and Meals on Wheels Volunteer. Jim was a teddy bear with a very soft center and we will think of him every day. We are thankful that he was our husband, father and grandfather and that he imparted to us the values, love and memories that we will carry forever. Goodbye Grampy. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Vincent de Paul Blessed Sacrament Church, Clubhouse Road, Vestal Monday at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton Sunday from 2-5 p.m. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Jim may be made to Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, 165 Clifton Blvd., Vestal, NY 13850 or Meals on Wheels of Western Broome, 701 W. Main Street, Endicott, NY 13760.