James S. LOMBARDO

James "Jimmy" Salvatore Lombardo, formerly of Waterbury, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, (January 7, 2014) in the home of his loving daughter. Born in Waterbury in 1924, to the late Michael and Carmella (Zarella) Lombardo, Jim had been a long time Waterbury resident. He always spoke proudly of his education at BW Tinker Elementary School and Leavenworth High School. After WWII he received his bachelor's degree at New Haven College (now University of New Haven). He selflessly served his country in the United States Navy during WWII, where he was a Sonar Operator on a Destroyer Escort, The USS Birmingham, in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean. After the war, he met and fell in love with his wife, Lee (Jasinski) Lombardo of Union City, with whom he spent the next 62 years raising two appreciative and loving children. Jim loved tending his large and productive vegetable garden and grapevines and caring for their many spoiled cats. He spent his entire work life as a designer at the Bristol Company in Waterbury. In his final years, he looked forward to an occasional trip to Atlantic City or Mohegan Sun with his daughter, or to a holiday dinner or summer barbeque at his son's home. Jim loved and was adored by his two grandchildren, Mia and Merissa, who always spoke with great affection about their "G-Pa". Jim and his wife always valued the support and loyalty of their neighbor and friend, Jeannette Horzepa. Mr. Lombardo leaves behind his son, James Lombardo and his wife Judith Vaill of East Lyme; his daughter Shirley (Rozyn) Neves and her husband Al of Southington; his two grandchildren, Mia and Merissa Lombardo, of Pittsburgh, PA; many nieces and nephews as well as many grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He was predeceased by eight brothers and sisters. Mr. Lombardo and his family would like to extend their grateful appreciation to the wonderful nurses and caregivers at the VNA Hospice of Southington for all their support during his final months. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Jim's life on Sunday, January 12, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville, CT. Calling hours will be held from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions to either of the following organizations; American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or to the VNA Health Care, 1290 Silas Deane Hwy. Suite 4B, Wethersfield, CT 06109.