James R. Musante, 87, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2022. Born in Northampton on April 12, 1935, he was the son of David B. Musante and Leona (Riley) Musante.
Jimmy attended Northampton schools and went on to serve in the United States Air Force. He spent most of his service time stationed at the Sculthorpe Air Force Base in England as an aircraft electrician. Upon completion of his military service, he enrolled in the Stockbridge School at the University of Massachusetts where he earned a degree in hotel and restaurant management. He was employed at the former Northampton State Hospital for 35 years, retiring as an Occupational Therapist. He was a communicant of St. Mary's Church in Northampton.
Jimmy will be remembered by many for his affable nature, quick wit, and sense of humor. He enjoyed his annual trips to Ireland with his wife Mary to visit her family in Castlegregory, Co. Kerry. He had many good times in his favorite venue in the village, Michael Fitzgerald’s pub. A fan of sports, he enjoyed attending local games and UMass athletics events.
He will be deeply missed by sons, Danny Musante and his wife Donna Taylor, Tim Musante, and Mike Musante, as well as his grandchildren, Jo-Ellen Musante (partner, Sammy Maingi), Katie Musante (partner, Marty Mahoney), Daniel Musante (partner, Elizabeth Meade), and his great-granddaughter Skylar Mahoney. He is also survived by his brother David B. Musante Jr. and his wife Janet McNeil. He was very fond of his nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 60 years Mary Musante, his grandson James Musante, his sisters Ethel Searles and Marjorie Bisson, and his brother Francis Baslow.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Valley Medical Group and the Cooley Dickinson Hospital for their care for James.
A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Annunciation Chapel, Beacon St., Florence on Tuesday, October 4th at 10 a.m. (Please meet directly at the church). Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Northampton. Calling hours will be held on Monday, October 3rd from 4 - 6 p.m. at the Ahearn Funeral Home, 783 Bridge Rd., Northampton.