James Macchiano passed away peacefully on December 23 , 2021 with his family by his side. James was a loving husband to Emily; a devoted father to Dominic, Grace and Joey; a favorite sibling to Angelo, Sarah and Gina; a trusted in-law to Sara, Andrew, Brian, Jennifer, Jon, Jim, Pam,and Liza; a beloved uncle to Giana, Lillie, Aurelia, Gina Clare, Vincent, Angelo lll,Frankie, and Isaiah; a cherished son to Angelo and Shirley and an esteemed friend, mentor and colleague to many in Vestal, Apalachin, Rochester and at RIT. James was a proud graduate from Vestal High School Class of 2000. James graduated from Broome Community College with his AAS in Graphic Design and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa.
James continued his education at Rochester Institute of Technology receiving his BFA in Film and Animation and his MBA in Management and New Product Commercialization. During his time there he was a staff artist for the Center for Campus Life, Residence Hall Advisor, Student Government Public Relations Director and a Graphic Designer for ETC Production Services.
James was a member of the official RIT Alumni Association, a member of RIT Alumni Entrepreneurs, and belonged to the International Higher Education Teaching and Learning Association.
James was the Director of MCAS (Multicultural Center for Academic Success) at Rochester Institute of Technology. Prior to that he was the Director of Reunion and Affinity Programs, the Associate Director for Student and Recent Alumni Giving and Program Coordinator for the RIT Orientation Program.
James was elected President of Student Government his senior year at RIT where he increased the visibility of RIT’s brand with an increased use and promotion of school colors, he oversaw the restructuring of Student Government’s Finance Committee and he created the original program “Dance for Your Rent”
During his illness, James was able to read many cards,notes and letters explaining how he had inspired and encouraged so many people. James was a man of integrity, sincerity, and honesty who had an influence on so many people. Our hearts are broken now because we have loved deeply. (https://stratnewsglobal.com/) What an honor to have called him ours even if it was for a short time.
A heart felt thank you for all the love, prayers and support extended to James and our family throughout these months.
“… be strong and courageous
Do not be afraid or discouraged.
For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. “Joshua 1:9
Calling hours are at
Richard Keenan Funeral Home
7501 Pittsford-Palmyra Rd.
Fairport, New York 14450 December 28,2021 from 3-6PM
585-223-4840
“A Celebration of James’ Life”
Mass of Christian Burial
Church of the Assumption
20 East Avenue
Fairport, New York 14450
December 29,2021 at 11:15AM
585-388-0040
“I have not lost my battle with cancer. It was a draw”
Norm MacDonald
Please in lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to StacheStrong a nonprofit devoted to raising funds and awareness
for brain cancer research.
StacheStrong.org
“I wish that heaven
had visiting hours
And I would ask them
If I could take you home
But I know what
They would say
That it’s for the best…
And I will close the door,
But open up my heart
And everyone I love
Will know exactly who you are
Cause this is not goodbye,
It is just till we meet again.”
Ed Sheeran “Visiting Hours”
Comments
15 responses to “Macchiano, James J.”
It was a pleasure working with and getting to know James. I was at RIT, when he was student government president and we remained colleagues until I left RIT in 2018. He will be truly missed by all who knew him. There are no words to express the sadness for the loss of James. Please accept my sincere condolences and deepest sympathy. I will pray for James and your family. Heaven truly gained an angel. I am certain he will be watching over all of us.
. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Emily & children-Dominic, Grace & Joey and the entire family.
It was a pleasure working with and getting to know James once he became Director of MCAS. He was a staunch supporter of mine and always supported the ECCO activities in the College of Engineering. He will be truly missed by all he worked with and who knew him. There are absolutely no words to express the sadness for the loss of James. Please accept my sincere condolences and deepest sympathy. I will continue to pray for James and your family. Heaven has truly gained an angel. I am certain he will be watching over all of us. Rest in Heaven James!!
I had the pleasure of working closely with James when he was with Student Government and I was with Staff Council. The world is a better place for having had James in, though the time we were blessed with him was far too short. My heart goes out to his family during this difficult time and I pray for the comfort of their faith and their memories.
My interactions with James as a colleague of his when he worked in Advancement for RIT were brief, but I am compelled to share that they were meaningful. James left an immediate impression on me as someone who was so thoughtful, caring, and deeply committed. My heart is heavy for his family, friends and co-workers, and I pray that each and every memory shared with James lifts all of you up as you step through this journey of life, joy and grieving.
I had the pleasure of working with James several years ago in the Office of Alumni,Affairs. He was a terrific young man and so dedicated to RIT. So very sorry to hear of his passing!! Hod bless him and his family!!!
Macchiano Family
There are no words to comfort you with this devastating loss. Please know you all are In our prayers and heart. He was blessed to have a wonderful family and us for the gift of knowing him. We will keep all of you in our hearts. We are hear for all of you. ??
The Muzzeys
Dear Macchiano Family
Our hearts are ? for all of you. Your family has touched us all and we are keeping you all in our hearts and prayers. You have raised a beautiful family please know we are here for you all. God Bless you all. We are so sorry.
The Muzzey’s
We are so very sorry for your profound loss. Though we only met James once, this Fall at the StacheStrong 5K, we could tell he was a kind, courageous and caring son, brother, husband, dad, uncle. Our prayers are for your strength now….hoping that fond memories of James will lift you up. He was an amazing young man, taken far too young.
I was so sorry to hear of James’ passing. He made a positive difference in the RIT community through his involvement in the RIT alumni board, and always had a smile on his face. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Sincerely, Lynn
James’ love for RIT was infectious. He bled Tiger orange. His legacy of leadership at the university will live on.
So sorry to hear of the passing of James. Sending positive thoughts and prayers in this time of sorrow. May god hold you n family in the palm of his hand with sympathy n love.
I had the wonderful pleasure of working and supporting James during my very early years at RIT (the end of 2008 – 2010) while in what was called “Development” at the time. I’ve never worked with a kinder and more compassionate person than James. He had this wonderful gentle spirit about him. He was so devoted to the students at RIT and worked so hard to help them. He was just an inspiration to so many. I’m a better person for having known James. My prayers and my heart go out to all of his family. God Bless.
Our sincere condolences and prayers go out to James’s family. Rest In Peace James. God Bless.
I’m very sorry to hear of the passing of James. I went to middle school and part of high school at Vestal with him. I had a very tough time adjusting at that school and never really fit in. Every now and then I reflect on my time there and how it shaped me. Most of my memories from that time are not very pleasant, one of the few exceptions was my interactions with James Macchiano. He was always so kind and friendly. RIP James, a genuinely nice guy. Prayers for his loved ones. God bless.