MAIRA, SR., James Joseph

Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre PA) Tuesday, February 15, 2011 James J Maira Sr, 95, of West Wyoming, passed away peacefully Sunday, February 13, 2011, surrounded by his family. Born in Pittston, he was a son of the late Cataldo and Gertrude Rizzo Maira. He was educated in the Pittston schools. James was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II, serving in the Philippines, New Guinea and Japan. James was very proud of his American heritage and to have served his country. Prior to his retirement, he was employed in sales at Landau Furniture of Plymouth for 45 years. He was a member of St Monica's Parish, West Wyoming, and was a member of the Holy Name Society and the Emannon Country Club, where he played in the retirees' league. James was also a member of the American Legion Post 904, West Wyoming, and served as past commander and life member of the DAV. He was an avid golfer who enjoyed traveling to the southern states with his friends for a round of golf. The family would like to extend a sincere thanks to the nurses, nursing assistants, therapists and to all the staff who were so caring to James during his stay at Wesley Village. He truly cared and loved all of you who made his stay there a happy one. Preceding him in death was his wife, the former Olga Roman; son James Jr; brothers, Sam, Larry and Cataldo (Babe); and sisters, Rose Castellino, Tina Kutzmas and Grace Sabatelli. Surviving is his daughter, Diane Randazzo, and her husband, John, West Wyoming; grandchildren, Jeff, Wappinger Falls, NY; Jason, West Wyoming; Danielle Alder, West Wyoming; Rebecca Boyle and her husband, Michael, Plains Township; Andrew Maira, Moose, Wyo; and Jessica Maira, Wickenburg, Ariz; great-grandchildren, Justin and Tyler Randazzo, Roman Alder, and Ava Boyle; sisters, Sarah Baccanari and Josephine Alfano, both of Pittston; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 9am in Our Lady of Sorrows Church of St Monica's Parish, West Wyoming, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30am Thursday from the Metcalfe and Shaver Funeral Home Inc, 504 Wyoming Ave, Wyoming, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30am in Our Lady of Sorrows Church of St Monica's Parish, West Wyoming. Interment will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Dallas. Friends may call Wednesday from 5 to 8pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Eastern PA Chapter, 555 E North Lane, Suite 5010, Conshohocken, PA 19428.