GLOUCESTER – James S. Contri, 71, died Wednesday evening, March 12, 2014 at his home. He was the husband of Mary J. (Loiacano) Contri. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in May.
Born in Oakland, California on October 10, 1942, he was the son of the late Jimmie J. and Mary J. (Agosta) Contri. He was raised in Crockett and his family moved to Vallejo where attended high school.
A U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, he was honorably discharged in May of 1966. He met Mary when he came to Gloucester on leave with his friend, Michael Calomo.
He was employed by St. Ann’s Church for many years, having worked in Calvary Cemetery. He later became an inspector for Osram Sylvania, where he remained until his retirement.
Jim always longed for his hometown, but made a home for his wife in family in Gloucester. He enjoyed a good meal with family and friends. A loving and devoted husband and father, he lived for his family. His greatest joy came from seeing the little ones and watching them grow. He will be greatly missed.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Angela Contri and Joanne Contri; five grandchildren, Jennifer Odum Ryan, wife of Chief Justin Ryan, USN, Leanne Odum, James Odum, Dominic Tocco and Dion Tocco; six great-grandchildren, Jared, Angelina, Madison, Sammy, Cody and Emmitt, plus one on the way; his sister and brother-in-law, Joanne and Paul Grilli; a niece, Gina Grilli and nephew, James Ussery; a special aunt, Josie Agosta; very special sister-in-law, Dini, wife of Peter Favazza; brother-in-law, Bill Toppan and his family, as well as many cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his stepfather, Joe Fomasi; a very special uncle, Joe Agosta; his dear grandfather who meant the world to him, Salvatore “Nono” Agosta; sister-in-law, Phyllis Toppan; his in-laws, Salvatore Loiacano and Angelina Loiacano Strescino; stepfather-in-law, Rico Strescino; and stepbrothers-in-law, Richie and Donny Strescino.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday morning in the Holy Family Parish, St. Ann Church at 10:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. There are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to Holy Family Parish, St. Ann Church, 60 Prospect St., Gloucester, MA 01930 or VNA Care Network & Hospice, 199 Rosewood Dr., Danvers, MA 01923. Interment will be held in the Calvary Cemetery.