After an incredibly strong, and equally silent, two-year battle with lung cancer, it is with the deepest regret that we announce the passing of Jim LoMenzo.
So perfectly described as “reliable as the rise of the sun,” Jim loved to help people. He was always there to lend a hand, whether you asked for it or not.
His love for helping people was only surpassed by the love he had for his family. He carried the wedding picture of him and Gloria, his wife of almost 60 years, in his wallet and proudly showed it to everyone.
Jim took great pride in whatever his sons were interested in and always wanted to share in those activities, which delighted “his boys” to no end.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Jim developed an early love for both baseball and music. These interests would stay with him throughout his life. He was an avid NY Yankees fan, and a Perry Como-style crooner.
In his later years, Jim was always inviting people to his Lincoln Town Car (his pride and joy) to listen to his self-recorded album of standards.
Jim was many things during his early life: Korean War vet (Army PFC LoMenzo), the co-owner of a shoe store with his “Pop” and finally, the career that made him so very happy: construction foreman. After 35 years, Jim retired as a superintendent.
In 1995, Jim and Gloria relocated from Brooklyn to Sonoma. Jim would often tell the story of how, during a visit to see family, he instantly fell in love with the Creekside community, especially the clubhouse.
Upon retirement, three years after that visit, Jim realized his dream: He was home.
Immediately upon arrival, Jim became an institution at the Creekside Clubhouse. He rose to president of the Creekside Critters Table Tennis team, was a chief instigator of the “pool room gang” and served as sound man for many of the clubhouse events.
Jim was a fun-loving fundraiser and all around tireless worker for various clubs: the I.C.F., Retired Teamsters and Boys & Girls Club, to name but a few.
Jim leaves behind his wife, Gloria; sons, Michael, James and Peter; sister, Lucy Oliveri; daughters-in-law, Cathy, Angie and Leslye; granddaughters, Danielle and Zoe; great-grandchildren, Andrew, Jacob and Sophia; as well as a host of nephews, nieces and friends (who he always affectionally called Murray).
Jim joins his father, Michael; mother, Maria; brother, Larry; and mother-in-law, Anna Giangreco, in heaven.
There will be a vigil at Duggan’s Mission Chapel on Monday, July 21, at 5:30 p.m. On Tuesday, July 22, there will be a Mass at St. Francis Solano Church at noon, followed by a memorial at Jim’s beloved Creekside Clubhouse.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hospice, the American Cancer Society, or any charity you support
Duggan’s Mission Chapel
Sonoma
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