WEST BROOKFIELD- James Albert Nardi, 69, passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2016 at UMass Medical Center following a brief illness.
He was born in Worcester on February 9, 1947, son of the late Donald F. and Mary A. (Waters) Nardi. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War with the United States Navy.
James graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering. He began his career working for Lincoln Laboratory and Sprague Electric where he was an engineer. Mr. Nardi taught in the CETA program for adult education and also for Sun System. Although James held many "jobs" his true career was his time with the Merchant Marines. He served from 1988 until 2015 where he attained the rank of REO and served aboard the Victory and cargo ships. During his career he sailed every continent except Australia and Antarctica.
He was an accomplished Ham Radio operator having achieved the Extra Class license, and was both a commercial and private pilot. He loved flying and attained ratings in ATP, CFII, MEL and seaplane. He was a flight instructor for many years teaching gyro, rotocraft, helicopter and single and multiengine aircraft. He also served in the Civil Air Patrol throughout his life. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Charlton and was an avid reader.
He leaves behind his former wife of 36 years, Jean Nardi of Albuquerque, NM; three children, Christine Froio and her husband Rocco of Charlton, James Thomas Nardi and his wife Dana Mikel of Carlsbad, CA; Claudia Nardi of Albuquerque, NM; two brothers, Michael and Donald Nardi, both of Worcester; 10 grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his son, Thomas James Nardi.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, July 21st from 5:00pm until 8:00pm at the CALLAHAN FAY & CASWELL FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle St., Worcester. A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 22nd at 11:00am in the funeral home. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park .
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675