Obituary of James Tenaglia

It is with great sadness that we must announce the passing of our dear uncle, James Tenaglia, who was like a father to all his nieces and nephews. He went peacefully in his sleep on May 9th, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife, Fideligna, and his devoted caregiver, America.

He was born on October 14th, 1927, in Port Chester, New York, where he grew up. He was the son of Rocco and Catherine Tenaglia.

He attended Port Chester High School and loved playing football. He served in the military during World War II. Most of his adult life he lived in Darien, Connecticut and worked as a sheet metal mechanic for Antonelli Roofing and Sheet Metal for over 50 years. He spent his free time enjoying his home and family. We can still see him relaxing in his recliner, smoking his pipe, while watching a football game.

Uncle Jimmy didn’t have any children of his own and always thought of his nieces and nephews as his children. He was by our side all through our lives, from small children to grown adults, in good times and bad. He will live on in each of us and will never be forgotten.

He is survived by his sister Veda Fratello, her husband Joseph, his 13 nieces and nephews, 23 great-nieces and nephews, and 27 great-great nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his three sisters, Elizabeth Memoli, Carmella, Chodakowski, and Antoinette Strazza and his niece JoAnn Strazza Szygiel. We would like to especially thank the home hospice team, particularly, nurse Lisa Ryan and hospice Social Worker Amanda Panniello. We also appreciate the Hospice Chaplain Orios many visits to comfort uncle Jimmy.

Friends and relatives will be welcomed at Thomas Gallagher Funeral Home at 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, Connecticut 06902, between 9-11am on Monday, May 15th, 2023. A Christian Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Benedict’s Roman Catholic Church, at 21 Saint Benedicts Circle, Stamford, CT 06902. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Wounded Warriors Foundation.