Vincent J. “Jim” Renda of Needham, formerly of Wayland died on Wednesday May 18, 2005 at the Stanley R. Tippett House in Needham. He was 91 years old. Vincent James Renda was born Vincenzino Renda in Rochester, New York., the son of the late Amelia (Palermo) and Gaetano Renda. At age 10 he returned with his parents and two sisters to Aidone, Sicily where he lived until age 15 when he returned to the United States alone and began a career in the shoe industry with a fourth grade education.
He received his high school diploma and over the next 50 years rose to be Vice President and General Manager of a variety of ladies shoe manufacturers in Rochester, NY, Marlborough, MA, Lowell, MA, Altoona, PA and Portland ME. “Jim” Renda, was a respected and honored professional in the industry until his retirement in 1979. He lived in Wayland, MA until 2002 and moved to Needham in January 2003.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Corine (Campanelli) Renda of Needham, and his three sons Thomas V. Renda of Beverly MA, Alan C. Renda of Needham MA, and Vincent J. Renda of Red Bank NJ. He was the sister of Antonetta Barbetta of Rochester NY. He is also survived by his 6 grandsons and 5 Great-grandchildren. He was the cousin of Paula Renda and Christopher Renda both of Rochester NY.
Funeral from the Eaton Funeral Home 1351 Highland Avenue Needham (Exit 19B off Rte 128) on Saturday May 21 at 10:00 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Saint Joseph Church at 11:30 AM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours on Saturday morning from 10:00 to 11:30 AM prior to Mass. Interment Needham Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations in “Jim’s” name may be made to ECI School for Children, Development Fund, 270 Industrial Way West, Eatontown NJ 07724.