Obituary of Joseph M. Stancari

Stancari, Joseph M. of Mt. Kisco, NY and Boynton Beach, Fla. died peacefully on Saturday, April 23, 2016. He was born on April 27, 1939 and was raised in the Silver Lake Section of White Plains, New York. He graduated from the White Plains Public Schools. His early career was in automotive mechanics, and his strong interest in performance and fine automobiles continued throughout his years. In the early 1970’s, Joe joined the Westchester County Department of Correction, where he quickly advanced through every supervisory position. He was a strong leader and visionary, and was appointed as Commissioner of the Department of Correction by County Executive Andrew P. O’Rourke in 1995, where he oversaw a staff of 1,200 correction officers and managed an $80 Million dollar budget. As Commissioner, he guided the construction of a new generation, direct-supervision county jail that included programs that helped individuals in custody achieve their academic goals and address their treatment and program needs. He valued services that helped individuals rehabilitate themselves, particularly services directed to youths in custody. He oversaw the Department’s first national accreditation by the American Correctional Association, and the licensing of a Special Forensic Unit at the Department by the New York State Office of Mental Health for individuals in custody with mental illness He also worked to establish a cooperative agreement with the US Marshal’s Office in securing individuals in federal custody. He retired from the Department in 1997. In later years, he and Susan worked together to manage and grow the Law Firm of Susan Caplin, Esq. PC in Mt. Kisco. He and Susan shared their time between homes in New York and Florida, where both enjoyed golfing, fine dining, and following the NY Yankees and Giants. Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Susan, relatives and friends. Joe was a loving, loyal and devoted husband and friend. The family will receive friends on Tuesday and Wednesday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm at Clark Associates Funeral Home, 4 Woods Bridge Rd, Katonah, NY. The Graveside service will be on Thursday at 11:30am at Rose Hills Memorial Park, Mill St, Putnam Valley, NY In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to a charity of your own choice.