US Army veteran
MELROSE — James C. Crowley, of Melrose and Hallandale, FL died on February 18. Born in Boston on May 7, 1938 to the late Degna (Ward) and Lawrence Crowley. He was raised in Brighton and graduated from St. Sebastian’s School in Needham then attended Boston College on a full academic scholarship from The National Honor Society. Early on he developed a love for the game of golf. He often caddied at Newtown Commonwealth Golf Course and occasionally at The Country Club in Brookline.
Jim would enter the Army where he met his best friend John DiGiovanni who introduced him to his sister Sandra. The pair fell in love and married in 1967. Later they moved to Melrose where they would raise their two sons Jimmy and Joe. After his wife Sandra passed at a young age in 1979, Jim remained a devoted and loving dad while balancing work and raising his family.
Jim worked for 24 years with the MBTA before retiring to South Florida where he played golf daily and made many good friends. He split time between Florida and Melrose where he enjoyed spending quality time with his grandchildren. He was always lending a helping hand and remained humble his entire life.
James is survived by his beloved children Joseph and his wife Karen of Melrose and James of Charlestown. He was a proud grandfather to Sandra, Justin, Jack and Joseph; and great grandfather to Tinsley. He is also survived by siblings Walter, Beth and Anne along with his many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Wednesday, February 26 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. A funeral Mass was held at St. Mary’s Church, 4 Herbert St., Melrose following the visiting hours at 11 a.m. Interment to follow the mass at Wyoming Cemetery, 205 Sylvan St., Melrose. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions were made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516. To leave a message of condolence, please visit gatelyfh.com.