James E. Cimarolli

James Edward Cimarolli, 95, of Uhrichsville, passed away on Monday, February 20, 2023, at the Community Hospice Truman House in New Philadelphia, only 12 days after he lost his beloved wife of 73 years, Mary Lou. Born March 16, 1927 in Avella, Pennsylvania, he was the last surviving child of the late Leo and Agnes Marie (Brower) Cimarolli, having been preceded in death by his siblings, Brenda Flickinger, and Leo J., Robert P., Ray, and Gene Cimarolli.

Jim was a Navy veteran of World War II who convinced his parents to allow him to enlist in 1944 at the age of 17, even before he had finished high school. He served aboard the U.S.S. Fall River and was proud to have become a “Golden Shellback” before his honorable discharge on July 4, 1946. He was a Life Member of the V.F.W. in McDonald, Pennsylvania, as well as a Life Member of the McDonald Volunteer Fire Department.

On July 9, 1949, Jim married the former Mary Lou Cooper with whom he had two children, James M. Cimarolli, who preceded him in death, and Amy Willoughby and her husband, Keith, who survive him, along with a granddaughter, Kaylee Willoughby, sister-in-law, Darlene Cimarolli, and many nieces and nephews.

In 1973, Jim moved to the Twin City area with his wife and family where he was the plant superintendent for Briggs and Turivas for many years until his retirement in 1988. In retirement, he continued to work – assisted by Mary Lou – this time as a custodian for Uhrichsville First Presbyterian Church where they were members and for the offices at Superior Clay, continuing until his health prevented him at the age of 87. He also served his church as a Trustee for a number of years.

Rev. Mark Unrue will officiate his funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 24, at the R. K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison where his family will receive callers for an hour prior to the funeral. Interment will follow with a 2:00 p.m. graveside service and military committal service at Robinson’s Run Cemetery in McDonald, Pennsylvania. Charitable contributions honoring his memory may be made to Uhrichsville First Presbyterian Church and Community Hospice.