On March 22, 2006, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, a star was born – James Radley Mattioli. His arrival, four weeks ahead of his expected due date, was a testament to his energetic and eager nature, a characteristic that would define him throughout his short yet impactful life. With his twinkling large brown eyes, James brought immeasurable joy and happiness to his family and everyone who knew him.
James embodied an infectious zest for life, truly embracing every moment with an enthusiasm that was impossible to ignore. He was an athlete at heart, nurturing a love for baseball, basketball, swimming, and even arm wrestling from a very young age. Equally comfortable in the water or on land, he was a fish in his grandparents' pools and a fearless biker, proudly riding without training wheels.
Not content to merely enjoy his activities, James also loved to understand how things worked. This was not just limited to the lawn mowing game on his iPad or the mechanics of his bike, but extended to the world around him, asking questions at every turn. James was naturally curious, always inquisitive, and had a genuine eagerness to learn.
His free spirit was evident in his love for the outdoors and his unique style. No matter the weather, you would find James in his favorite shorts and t-shirts, his hair spiked with gel, as if ready to take on any adventure that came his way. His love for food was equally charming, with an endearing preference for hamburgers with ketchup, Subway's ham sandwiches, and his parents' specialities - his Dad's egg omelets with bacon and his Mom's french toast.
However, James was not all energy and curiosity; he was also a caring and thoughtful soul. Even at the tender age of six, he displayed maturity beyond his years. One notable incident was when he decided to forgo a gift for himself and used that money to buy a Christmas mug for his Grandfather. He loved welcoming guests with a hug and his contagious smile, touching the hearts of everyone he met.
James shared a special bond with his sister Anna. He admired her greatly and strived to match her in every activity. They were inseparable, learning and growing together. Anna was more than a sister to James; she was his tutor, his playmate, and his best friend. She helped him advance in his reading in 1st Grade, encouraging him to tackle more and more challenging words. Their bond was a beautiful testament to sibling love and mutual respect.
His relationship with his father, Mark, was another significant aspect of James' life. James was his Dad's mini-me. He cherished every moment spent with his father, whether it was doing yard work, walking at Fairfield Hills, or watching him grill burgers on the deck. This bond was a unique one, filled with admiration and mutual respect.
His mother, Cindy, played an equally crucial role in James' life. His tender moments with her, cuddling on the couch with his favorite pillow and brown fleece blanket, revealed a softer side to this energetic boy. He valued these quiet times with his mother as much as the energetic activities he pursued during the day.
James was an exemplary student, taking special joy in math and recess. He loved all his teachers and staff at Trinity Day School and Sandy Hook Elementary School. His academic achievements and his affection for learning reflected his sharp mind and his dedication.
Unfortunately, James' life was abruptly and tragically cut short on December 14, 2012, in the heart-wrenching incident at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. This devastating event shook the nation and left a gaping void in the lives of those who knew and loved James.
But the spirit of James Radley Mattioli lives on. His memory was honored through a memorial 5K, organized annually by his family, to raise money for scholarships and other programs. Over the years, it had raised a remarkable $100,000 in donations, a testament to the love and respect James commanded.
The legacy of James also thrives in the countless people touched by his warm smile, adventurous personality, and incredibly kind heart. His parents, Mark and Cindy Mattioli, have continuously cherished their time with their remarkable son, their love for him undimmed by the passing years.
In his brief time with us, James taught us to embrace life wholeheartedly, to remain curious and open to the world, to value family bonds, and to be kind and considerate. To know James was indeed to know love in its purest form.
So, let's remember James as he was: an early riser, a fearless athlete, a thoughtful grandson, a curious student, a loving brother, and a cherished son. His life, though short, was a brilliant spark that lit up the world around him, and his legacy will continue to shine bright, inspiring all who knew him. Though he may not have had the chance to grow up and sing on the stage as he wished, his song resonates in our hearts, reminding us of the joy, love, and curiosity he embodied. His was a life well-lived, and his spirit will forever remain etched in our memories.
Let us celebrate James Mattioli's life, and let his memory inspire us to live our lives with the same zest, curiosity, and love that he did. As we remember him, let's aspire to live as James did - fully, joyfully, and with an open heart. His life serves as a poignant reminder that every moment is precious, and every day is an opportunity to embrace life, to learn, to love, and to bring joy to others, just as James did.
In the words of Monsignor Robert Weiss, "Now every day is a home run, a three-point shot, the perfect dive, and there are no more training wheels." James may have left us, but his spirit, his energy, and his love live on. May we honor him by embodying these qualities in our lives. In doing so, we ensure that James' light continues to shine bright, guiding us and inspiring us every single day.
Written by: Alan Owen
~~
From his parents:
James was an energetic, loving friend to all. He loved baseball, basketball, swimming, arm wrestling and playing games on the iPad (especially the lawn mowing game). He loved to wear shorts and t-shirts in any weather, and grab the gel to spike his hair. He would often sing at the top of his lungs and once asked, "How old do I have to be to sing on a stage?" James loved to dive off the diving board at the Treadwell Pool, swim like a fish in both of his grandparents' pools and ride his bike, proudly without training wheels. He often said, "I need to go outside Mom, I need fresh air." He loved and admired his big sister and wanted to do everything that she could do. They were the best of friends, going to school together, playing games together, and making endless drawings and crafts together. James was working very hard to advance his reading in 1st Grade and his sister was his endless partner in supporting this effort and challenging him to read more and more difficult words. James was born 4 weeks early at Bridgeport Hospital. It was an ongoing quip that James came into the world early because he was hungry. He loved hamburgers with ketchup, his Dad's egg omelets with bacon, and his Mom's french toast. He often asked to stop at Subway for dinner for a ham sandwich, and wanted to know how old he needed to be to order a 'footlong' sandwich. James was an early-riser, always the first to wake the family up, ready to start the day and get dressed. He loved to 'cuddle' on the couch at the end of the day with his Mom grabbing his pillow and brown fleece blanket. He adored spending time with his Dad doing yard work, walking at Fairfield Hills and watching him grill burgers on the deck. If Dad was outside, James wanted to be right there with him. Their love of one another was one of a kind and James was his Dad's mini look-a-like.James was especially thoughtful and considerate, always the first to welcome guests at the backdoor with a hug and his contagious smile. Recently he chose to forgo a gift for himself, and decided to use that money to purchase a mug for his Grandfather for Christmas instead. James loved all teachers and staff at Trinity Day School and Sandy Hook Elementary School and found special joy in math and recess. He spent endless hours playing hockey with his best bud and cousin. James will be incredibly missed by all who loved him: his Mom and Dad, his beloved sister, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and his many friends.
James embodied an infectious zest for life, truly embracing every moment with an enthusiasm that was impossible to ignore. He was an athlete at heart, nurturing a love for baseball, basketball, swimming, and even arm wrestling from a very young age. Equally comfortable in the water or on land, he was a fish in his grandparents' pools and a fearless biker, proudly riding without training wheels.
Not content to merely enjoy his activities, James also loved to understand how things worked. This was not just limited to the lawn mowing game on his iPad or the mechanics of his bike, but extended to the world around him, asking questions at every turn. James was naturally curious, always inquisitive, and had a genuine eagerness to learn.
His free spirit was evident in his love for the outdoors and his unique style. No matter the weather, you would find James in his favorite shorts and t-shirts, his hair spiked with gel, as if ready to take on any adventure that came his way. His love for food was equally charming, with an endearing preference for hamburgers with ketchup, Subway's ham sandwiches, and his parents' specialities - his Dad's egg omelets with bacon and his Mom's french toast.
However, James was not all energy and curiosity; he was also a caring and thoughtful soul. Even at the tender age of six, he displayed maturity beyond his years. One notable incident was when he decided to forgo a gift for himself and used that money to buy a Christmas mug for his Grandfather. He loved welcoming guests with a hug and his contagious smile, touching the hearts of everyone he met.
James shared a special bond with his sister Anna. He admired her greatly and strived to match her in every activity. They were inseparable, learning and growing together. Anna was more than a sister to James; she was his tutor, his playmate, and his best friend. She helped him advance in his reading in 1st Grade, encouraging him to tackle more and more challenging words. Their bond was a beautiful testament to sibling love and mutual respect.
His relationship with his father, Mark, was another significant aspect of James' life. James was his Dad's mini-me. He cherished every moment spent with his father, whether it was doing yard work, walking at Fairfield Hills, or watching him grill burgers on the deck. This bond was a unique one, filled with admiration and mutual respect.
His mother, Cindy, played an equally crucial role in James' life. His tender moments with her, cuddling on the couch with his favorite pillow and brown fleece blanket, revealed a softer side to this energetic boy. He valued these quiet times with his mother as much as the energetic activities he pursued during the day.
James was an exemplary student, taking special joy in math and recess. He loved all his teachers and staff at Trinity Day School and Sandy Hook Elementary School. His academic achievements and his affection for learning reflected his sharp mind and his dedication.
Unfortunately, James' life was abruptly and tragically cut short on December 14, 2012, in the heart-wrenching incident at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. This devastating event shook the nation and left a gaping void in the lives of those who knew and loved James.
But the spirit of James Radley Mattioli lives on. His memory was honored through a memorial 5K, organized annually by his family, to raise money for scholarships and other programs. Over the years, it had raised a remarkable $100,000 in donations, a testament to the love and respect James commanded.
The legacy of James also thrives in the countless people touched by his warm smile, adventurous personality, and incredibly kind heart. His parents, Mark and Cindy Mattioli, have continuously cherished their time with their remarkable son, their love for him undimmed by the passing years.
In his brief time with us, James taught us to embrace life wholeheartedly, to remain curious and open to the world, to value family bonds, and to be kind and considerate. To know James was indeed to know love in its purest form.
So, let's remember James as he was: an early riser, a fearless athlete, a thoughtful grandson, a curious student, a loving brother, and a cherished son. His life, though short, was a brilliant spark that lit up the world around him, and his legacy will continue to shine bright, inspiring all who knew him. Though he may not have had the chance to grow up and sing on the stage as he wished, his song resonates in our hearts, reminding us of the joy, love, and curiosity he embodied. His was a life well-lived, and his spirit will forever remain etched in our memories.
Let us celebrate James Mattioli's life, and let his memory inspire us to live our lives with the same zest, curiosity, and love that he did. As we remember him, let's aspire to live as James did - fully, joyfully, and with an open heart. His life serves as a poignant reminder that every moment is precious, and every day is an opportunity to embrace life, to learn, to love, and to bring joy to others, just as James did.
In the words of Monsignor Robert Weiss, "Now every day is a home run, a three-point shot, the perfect dive, and there are no more training wheels." James may have left us, but his spirit, his energy, and his love live on. May we honor him by embodying these qualities in our lives. In doing so, we ensure that James' light continues to shine bright, guiding us and inspiring us every single day.
Written by: Alan Owen
~~
From his parents:
James was an energetic, loving friend to all. He loved baseball, basketball, swimming, arm wrestling and playing games on the iPad (especially the lawn mowing game). He loved to wear shorts and t-shirts in any weather, and grab the gel to spike his hair. He would often sing at the top of his lungs and once asked, "How old do I have to be to sing on a stage?" James loved to dive off the diving board at the Treadwell Pool, swim like a fish in both of his grandparents' pools and ride his bike, proudly without training wheels. He often said, "I need to go outside Mom, I need fresh air." He loved and admired his big sister and wanted to do everything that she could do. They were the best of friends, going to school together, playing games together, and making endless drawings and crafts together. James was working very hard to advance his reading in 1st Grade and his sister was his endless partner in supporting this effort and challenging him to read more and more difficult words. James was born 4 weeks early at Bridgeport Hospital. It was an ongoing quip that James came into the world early because he was hungry. He loved hamburgers with ketchup, his Dad's egg omelets with bacon, and his Mom's french toast. He often asked to stop at Subway for dinner for a ham sandwich, and wanted to know how old he needed to be to order a 'footlong' sandwich. James was an early-riser, always the first to wake the family up, ready to start the day and get dressed. He loved to 'cuddle' on the couch at the end of the day with his Mom grabbing his pillow and brown fleece blanket. He adored spending time with his Dad doing yard work, walking at Fairfield Hills and watching him grill burgers on the deck. If Dad was outside, James wanted to be right there with him. Their love of one another was one of a kind and James was his Dad's mini look-a-like.James was especially thoughtful and considerate, always the first to welcome guests at the backdoor with a hug and his contagious smile. Recently he chose to forgo a gift for himself, and decided to use that money to purchase a mug for his Grandfather for Christmas instead. James loved all teachers and staff at Trinity Day School and Sandy Hook Elementary School and found special joy in math and recess. He spent endless hours playing hockey with his best bud and cousin. James will be incredibly missed by all who loved him: his Mom and Dad, his beloved sister, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and his many friends.
On March 22, 2006, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, a star was born – James Radley Mattioli. His arrival, four weeks ahead of his expected due date, was a testament to his energetic and eager nature, a characteristic that would define him throughout his short yet impactful life. With his twinkling large brown eyes, James brought immeasurable joy and happiness to his family and everyone who knew him.
James embodied an infectious zest for life, truly embracing every moment with an enthusiasm that was impossible to ignore. He was an athlete at heart, nurturing a love for baseball, basketball, swimming, and even arm wrestling from a very young age. Equally comfortable in the water or on land, he was a fish in his grandparents' pools and a fearless biker, proudly riding without training wheels.
Not content to merely enjoy his activities, James also loved to understand how things worked. This was not just limited to the lawn mowing game on his iPad or the mechanics of his bike, but extended to the world around him, asking questions at every turn. James was naturally curious, always inquisitive, and had a genuine eagerness to learn.
His free spirit was evident in his love for the outdoors and his unique style. No matter the weather, you would find James in his favorite shorts and t-shirts, his hair spiked with gel, as if ready to take on any adventure that came his way. His love for food was equally charming, with an endearing preference for hamburgers with ketchup, Subway's ham sandwiches, and his parents' specialities - his Dad's egg omelets with bacon and his Mom's french toast.
However, James was not all energy and curiosity; he was also a caring and thoughtful soul. Even at the tender age of six, he displayed maturity beyond his years. One notable incident was when he decided to forgo a gift for himself and used that money to buy a Christmas mug for his Grandfather. He loved welcoming guests with a hug and his contagious smile, touching the hearts of everyone he met.
James shared a special bond with his sister Anna. He admired her greatly and strived to match her in every activity. They were inseparable, learning and growing together. Anna was more than a sister to James; she was his tutor, his playmate, and his best friend. She helped him advance in his reading in 1st Grade, encouraging him to tackle more and more challenging words. Their bond was a beautiful testament to sibling love and mutual respect.
His relationship with his father, Mark, was another significant aspect of James' life. James was his Dad's mini-me. He cherished every moment spent with his father, whether it was doing yard work, walking at Fairfield Hills, or watching him grill burgers on the deck. This bond was a unique one, filled with admiration and mutual respect.
His mother, Cindy, played an equally crucial role in James' life. His tender moments with her, cuddling on the couch with his favorite pillow and brown fleece blanket, revealed a softer side to this energetic boy. He valued these quiet times with his mother as much as the energetic activities he pursued during the day.
James was an exemplary student, taking special joy in math and recess. He loved all his teachers and staff at Trinity Day School and Sandy Hook Elementary School. His academic achievements and his affection for learning reflected his sharp mind and his dedication.
Unfortunately, James' life was abruptly and tragically cut short on December 14, 2012, in the heart-wrenching incident at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. This devastating event shook the nation and left a gaping void in the lives of those who knew and loved James.
But the spirit of James Radley Mattioli lives on. His memory was honored through a memorial 5K, organized annually by his family, to raise money for scholarships and other programs. Over the years, it had raised a remarkable $100,000 in donations, a testament to the love and respect James commanded.
The legacy of James also thrives in the countless people touched by his warm smile, adventurous personality, and incredibly kind heart. His parents, Mark and Cindy Mattioli, have continuously cherished their time with their remarkable son, their love for him undimmed by the passing years.
In his brief time with us, James taught us to embrace life wholeheartedly, to remain curious and open to the world, to value family bonds, and to be kind and considerate. To know James was indeed to know love in its purest form.
So, let's remember James as he was: an early riser, a fearless athlete, a thoughtful grandson, a curious student, a loving brother, and a cherished son. His life, though short, was a brilliant spark that lit up the world around him, and his legacy will continue to shine bright, inspiring all who knew him. Though he may not have had the chance to grow up and sing on the stage as he wished, his song resonates in our hearts, reminding us of the joy, love, and curiosity he embodied. His was a life well-lived, and his spirit will forever remain etched in our memories.
Let us celebrate James Mattioli's life, and let his memory inspire us to live our lives with the same zest, curiosity, and love that he did. As we remember him, let's aspire to live as James did - fully, joyfully, and with an open heart. His life serves as a poignant reminder that every moment is precious, and every day is an opportunity to embrace life, to learn, to love, and to bring joy to others, just as James did.
In the words of Monsignor Robert Weiss, "Now every day is a home run, a three-point shot, the perfect dive, and there are no more training wheels." James may have left us, but his spirit, his energy, and his love live on. May we honor him by embodying these qualities in our lives. In doing so, we ensure that James' light continues to shine bright, guiding us and inspiring us every single day.
Written by: Alan Owen
~~
From his parents:
James was an energetic, loving friend to all. He loved baseball, basketball, swimming, arm wrestling and playing games on the iPad (especially the lawn mowing game). He loved to wear shorts and t-shirts in any weather, and grab the gel to spike his hair. He would often sing at the top of his lungs and once asked, "How old do I have to be to sing on a stage?" James loved to dive off the diving board at the Treadwell Pool, swim like a fish in both of his grandparents' pools and ride his bike, proudly without training wheels. He often said, "I need to go outside Mom, I need fresh air." He loved and admired his big sister and wanted to do everything that she could do. They were the best of friends, going to school together, playing games together, and making endless drawings and crafts together. James was working very hard to advance his reading in 1st Grade and his sister was his endless partner in supporting this effort and challenging him to read more and more difficult words. James was born 4 weeks early at Bridgeport Hospital. It was an ongoing quip that James came into the world early because he was hungry. He loved hamburgers with ketchup, his Dad's egg omelets with bacon, and his Mom's french toast. He often asked to stop at Subway for dinner for a ham sandwich, and wanted to know how old he needed to be to order a 'footlong' sandwich. James was an early-riser, always the first to wake the family up, ready to start the day and get dressed. He loved to 'cuddle' on the couch at the end of the day with his Mom grabbing his pillow and brown fleece blanket. He adored spending time with his Dad doing yard work, walking at Fairfield Hills and watching him grill burgers on the deck. If Dad was outside, James wanted to be right there with him. Their love of one another was one of a kind and James was his Dad's mini look-a-like.James was especially thoughtful and considerate, always the first to welcome guests at the backdoor with a hug and his contagious smile. Recently he chose to forgo a gift for himself, and decided to use that money to purchase a mug for his Grandfather for Christmas instead. James loved all teachers and staff at Trinity Day School and Sandy Hook Elementary School and found special joy in math and recess. He spent endless hours playing hockey with his best bud and cousin. James will be incredibly missed by all who loved him: his Mom and Dad, his beloved sister, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and his many friends.
James embodied an infectious zest for life, truly embracing every moment with an enthusiasm that was impossible to ignore. He was an athlete at heart, nurturing a love for baseball, basketball, swimming, and even arm wrestling from a very young age. Equally comfortable in the water or on land, he was a fish in his grandparents' pools and a fearless biker, proudly riding without training wheels.
Not content to merely enjoy his activities, James also loved to understand how things worked. This was not just limited to the lawn mowing game on his iPad or the mechanics of his bike, but extended to the world around him, asking questions at every turn. James was naturally curious, always inquisitive, and had a genuine eagerness to learn.
His free spirit was evident in his love for the outdoors and his unique style. No matter the weather, you would find James in his favorite shorts and t-shirts, his hair spiked with gel, as if ready to take on any adventure that came his way. His love for food was equally charming, with an endearing preference for hamburgers with ketchup, Subway's ham sandwiches, and his parents' specialities - his Dad's egg omelets with bacon and his Mom's french toast.
However, James was not all energy and curiosity; he was also a caring and thoughtful soul. Even at the tender age of six, he displayed maturity beyond his years. One notable incident was when he decided to forgo a gift for himself and used that money to buy a Christmas mug for his Grandfather. He loved welcoming guests with a hug and his contagious smile, touching the hearts of everyone he met.
James shared a special bond with his sister Anna. He admired her greatly and strived to match her in every activity. They were inseparable, learning and growing together. Anna was more than a sister to James; she was his tutor, his playmate, and his best friend. She helped him advance in his reading in 1st Grade, encouraging him to tackle more and more challenging words. Their bond was a beautiful testament to sibling love and mutual respect.
His relationship with his father, Mark, was another significant aspect of James' life. James was his Dad's mini-me. He cherished every moment spent with his father, whether it was doing yard work, walking at Fairfield Hills, or watching him grill burgers on the deck. This bond was a unique one, filled with admiration and mutual respect.
His mother, Cindy, played an equally crucial role in James' life. His tender moments with her, cuddling on the couch with his favorite pillow and brown fleece blanket, revealed a softer side to this energetic boy. He valued these quiet times with his mother as much as the energetic activities he pursued during the day.
James was an exemplary student, taking special joy in math and recess. He loved all his teachers and staff at Trinity Day School and Sandy Hook Elementary School. His academic achievements and his affection for learning reflected his sharp mind and his dedication.
Unfortunately, James' life was abruptly and tragically cut short on December 14, 2012, in the heart-wrenching incident at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. This devastating event shook the nation and left a gaping void in the lives of those who knew and loved James.
But the spirit of James Radley Mattioli lives on. His memory was honored through a memorial 5K, organized annually by his family, to raise money for scholarships and other programs. Over the years, it had raised a remarkable $100,000 in donations, a testament to the love and respect James commanded.
The legacy of James also thrives in the countless people touched by his warm smile, adventurous personality, and incredibly kind heart. His parents, Mark and Cindy Mattioli, have continuously cherished their time with their remarkable son, their love for him undimmed by the passing years.
In his brief time with us, James taught us to embrace life wholeheartedly, to remain curious and open to the world, to value family bonds, and to be kind and considerate. To know James was indeed to know love in its purest form.
So, let's remember James as he was: an early riser, a fearless athlete, a thoughtful grandson, a curious student, a loving brother, and a cherished son. His life, though short, was a brilliant spark that lit up the world around him, and his legacy will continue to shine bright, inspiring all who knew him. Though he may not have had the chance to grow up and sing on the stage as he wished, his song resonates in our hearts, reminding us of the joy, love, and curiosity he embodied. His was a life well-lived, and his spirit will forever remain etched in our memories.
Let us celebrate James Mattioli's life, and let his memory inspire us to live our lives with the same zest, curiosity, and love that he did. As we remember him, let's aspire to live as James did - fully, joyfully, and with an open heart. His life serves as a poignant reminder that every moment is precious, and every day is an opportunity to embrace life, to learn, to love, and to bring joy to others, just as James did.
In the words of Monsignor Robert Weiss, "Now every day is a home run, a three-point shot, the perfect dive, and there are no more training wheels." James may have left us, but his spirit, his energy, and his love live on. May we honor him by embodying these qualities in our lives. In doing so, we ensure that James' light continues to shine bright, guiding us and inspiring us every single day.
Written by: Alan Owen
~~
From his parents:
James was an energetic, loving friend to all. He loved baseball, basketball, swimming, arm wrestling and playing games on the iPad (especially the lawn mowing game). He loved to wear shorts and t-shirts in any weather, and grab the gel to spike his hair. He would often sing at the top of his lungs and once asked, "How old do I have to be to sing on a stage?" James loved to dive off the diving board at the Treadwell Pool, swim like a fish in both of his grandparents' pools and ride his bike, proudly without training wheels. He often said, "I need to go outside Mom, I need fresh air." He loved and admired his big sister and wanted to do everything that she could do. They were the best of friends, going to school together, playing games together, and making endless drawings and crafts together. James was working very hard to advance his reading in 1st Grade and his sister was his endless partner in supporting this effort and challenging him to read more and more difficult words. James was born 4 weeks early at Bridgeport Hospital. It was an ongoing quip that James came into the world early because he was hungry. He loved hamburgers with ketchup, his Dad's egg omelets with bacon, and his Mom's french toast. He often asked to stop at Subway for dinner for a ham sandwich, and wanted to know how old he needed to be to order a 'footlong' sandwich. James was an early-riser, always the first to wake the family up, ready to start the day and get dressed. He loved to 'cuddle' on the couch at the end of the day with his Mom grabbing his pillow and brown fleece blanket. He adored spending time with his Dad doing yard work, walking at Fairfield Hills and watching him grill burgers on the deck. If Dad was outside, James wanted to be right there with him. Their love of one another was one of a kind and James was his Dad's mini look-a-like.James was especially thoughtful and considerate, always the first to welcome guests at the backdoor with a hug and his contagious smile. Recently he chose to forgo a gift for himself, and decided to use that money to purchase a mug for his Grandfather for Christmas instead. James loved all teachers and staff at Trinity Day School and Sandy Hook Elementary School and found special joy in math and recess. He spent endless hours playing hockey with his best bud and cousin. James will be incredibly missed by all who loved him: his Mom and Dad, his beloved sister, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and his many friends.
