In Memory of

James

Vassallo

Obituary for James Vassallo

James C. Vassallo, 92, of Simsbury, CT, beloved husband of the late Ruth (Gertrude) Vassallo, having lived life to the fullest, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2018, after a brief illness. Jim was born on May 4, 1925 in Hartford, CT, the son of the late Lorenzo and Delia (Lamoureaux) Vassallo. He attended Buckley High School, Hartford, CT and was a resident of Simsbury for over 59 years. An extremely proud U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943. He was stationed at the Marshall Islands and Okinawa, Hawaii. He served in the Seabees as a Carpenter’s Mate 2nd Class and was THE ONE MILLIONTH serviceman to return to the United States after VJ Day. After his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1946, Jim was employed at Fuller Brush in Hartford, CT as the company barber for over 45 years. Jim’s happiest moments were those that he spent with the many family members and friends who loved him dearly. He was gentle, warm, loving, gracious, generous and had a wonderful smile and sense of humor! Jim was an active participant at the Simsbury Senior Center; he was instrumental in creating the Senior Bocce Ball tournaments and was quite in demand for his dancing talents! Jim was an artistic craftsman, thoroughly enjoyed working with his hands - building model airplanes and watching them soar high into the clouds/sunsets, visiting Mohegan Sun and trying out his luck and most of all, watching his beloved Boston Red Sox team-especially when they beat their number one rival, and loved taking care of his home and working outdoors in his retirement. His Catholic faith played an important role in his life, and he felt blessed having been able to live in his own home for his entire life. He truly loved his family and friends dearly and enjoyed getting together with them and sharing a delicious meal.
Jim is survived by his cousins, Barbara Crowell, and her son Bob Crowell of Villa Rica, Georgia, and Fern Lamoureaux. He is further survived by his loyal companion Peggy Jenks of Simsbury and special friends Andrea Sly and Janet Clark.
A memorial service will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 12th at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury. Friends may call prior to the service, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Burial with military honors will follow in the Simsbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations on his behalf may be made to Simsbury Senior Center, 754 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06070 // Phone: 860.658.3273. Please visit Jim’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.