James "Jimmy" "Fu" Pirrello, of Old Orchard Beach, ME formerly of Roslindale, passed away on December 13, 2023. Beloved son of the late Joseph Pirrello (B.P.D. ret.) and Evelyn F. (MacMasters). Devoted brother of Joseph Pirrello of NY, Jack Pirrello of South Boston, Ronald Pirrello (B.P.D.) of Canton, Cynthia Meaney of West Roxbury, and the late Robert Pirrello. Dear uncle of David Pirrello of NY, Scott Pirrello of CA, Allyssa Marquis of Waltham, Tyler Pirrello of NJ, Alexa Joyce of West Roxbury, James Meaney (B.F.D.) of West Roxbury, and Madison Meaney of West Roxbury.
Jimmy received his education at Roslindale High School and earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Bridgewater State College. He was a renowned athlete at both schools excelling as a running back on their football teams.
Following college Jimmy taught at Hyde Park High School and also worked with children and teens at the Parkway Boys Club. Later he worked for Boston Edison for several years before moving to Old Orchard Beach and followed his heart to work with young people again at Old Orchard Beach High School. While there he taught and coached several sports, including football and girls’ softball. He retired a few short years ago. After his passing the outpouring of love and respect from Jimmy’s former students, athletes, their families, and coworkers was a heartwarming and impressive tribute to Jimmy from the OOB community.
As a young man Jimmy continued to enjoy sports. He was a star running back for Billy’s/Hyde Park Cowboys and the team won championships in both the Boston Park League and the Eastern Football League. He also earned an Offensive MVP Award in the NFL.
Jimmy also was a player/manager for the dynastic Roslindale Pub softball team which won multiple championships in the 1980’s on the Healey Field softball diamond.
Jimmy had a personality larger than life. He was a social magnet and a leader. He was an organizer and player in the annual Abba Dabba Costumed Baseball Classic. A game filled with true characters. This was the social event of the season each summer at Healey Field in Rossie.
Jimmy was also proud to be one of the Commodore’s of the original Roslindale Yacht Club! He was also a superfan of the Alabama Crimson Tide and made several trips to Tuscaloosa with his pals! Roll Tide Roll!
The most special place for Jimmy was Port Shoreham, Nova Scotia, the birthplace of his mother. Jimmy spent every summer there at his lakeside cottage enjoying the kinship with his relatives and friends from near and far who gathered at MacPherson’s Lake each summer. He enjoyed the quiet life in his log cabin with his beloved cats and previously his dog ‘Bama. He loved riding his motorcycle on the back roads and in recent years cruising the Lake on his pontoon boat, the Blue Rhino. He was also a Founding Father of the highly decorated Port Shoreham Pirates Motorcycle Club!
Lastly, Jimmy was a beloved Son and Brother and a wonderful Uncle to his nieces and nephews and to their children as well. He loved to entertain them with his typical frivolity during family gatherings and holidays.
Jimmy was a fun-loving man who made all in his orbit smile and laugh! He also had a kind and sensitive side and a generous heart and spirit to help those who needed it. Jimmy was loved by all and will be dearly missed by his family and friends alike.
Visiting Hours in the William J. Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre St., West Roxbury, on Wednesday, December 20th from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, December 21st at 11:00am in the Funeral Home. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment Private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jimmy may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Ave., Norwalk, CT 06851 or https://themmrf.org >.