Published March 13, 2020
MELROSE — James A. Mannuccia, 78, longtime resident of Melrose, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 9, 2020 at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital.
Born in Wakefield on November 29, 1941, James is one of five children of the late James A. and Marie (nee) Avila McDonald. He attended Wakefield schools, and enjoyed running and working out in his younger years. Times were hard for the McDonald family, and James worked hard during his youth to help support the family.
As he got older, James went to work for A.W. Chesterton as a machinist. He worked there for many years before retiring in 2004. He enjoyed his work there and made many lifelong friends.
Family was the most important thing to James. He adored his beloved Jeannine and took excellent care of her when she became sick. His children and grandchildren meant the world to him. He was very active in their lives. Friendships were as important to James. He could often be found spending time with his friends at Mt. Hood playing a round of golf, shooting pool, or at the Elks Club where he was a longtime member.
Traveling was important to James if it involved going to see family. He would visit his siblings in Texas and Florida and did enjoy local trips around New England. Rockport, Maine was a favorite spot of his.
James’ bright personality, great sense of humor, warmth and love will be missed by those he loved and leaves behind. Certainly, all are better for knowing him.
James was the beloved husband of Jeannine Y. (Beaulieu) Mannuccia with whom he shared 37 years of marriage. Devoted father of Sandra DeFusco and her husband Emil of Methuen, Kathleen Theriault and her husband Richard of Londonderry, N.H., James A. Mannuccia Jr. of Melrose, step-children, Richard Byam of Hilliard, Ohio, Daniel Byam of Wakefield, and the late Linda Lindstrom. Dear brother of Phyllis Spear of Ft. Worth, Texas, the late Margaret Nicholson, Raymond McDonald, and Robert McDonald. Also survived by nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends will gather in honor of James’ life for visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Friday, March 13 from 4-8 p.m. with his funeral service at 7:45 p.m.
For online tribute, or directions visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com