Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
84 Broad Street
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
James DeStefano Obituary
He was born in Portsmouth on Sept. 1, 1964, to Martha (Norris) DeStefano of Portsmouth and the late Ronald F. DeStefano.
James was a graduate of Portsmouth High School, Class of 1982, MacIntosh College and received his B.S. in business communications from Southern New Hampshire University.
He was a partner and vice president of sales and marketing for Colliers International located in Manchester and Portsmouth.
James was a member of the Manchester Christian Church where he participated in mission trips to Biloxi, Miss., and Moore, Okla., and Middle Street Baptist Church in Portsmouth.
He was a member of the N.H. Commercial Investment Board of Realtors (NHCIBOR); NHCIBOR Cares; N.H. Commission on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention; Board of Directors of N.H. Red Cross in Manchester; N.H. and National Association of Realtors; and Board of Directors for MC2 Charter School in Manchester. He received the NHCIBOR – 2012 President's Award for Community Service and NHCIBOR – 2008 Realtor of the Year Award.
James was a wonderful father whose greatest joy was seeing his two children grow into loving, intelligent and giving young adults. He especially enjoyed watching his son Andrew excel in football and was extremely proud of his daughter Vinessa's desire to give back to the world through church mission trips both overseas and in the U.S.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen L. (Madden); mother, Martha DeStefano of Portsmouth; children Andrew J. and Vinessa I. DeStefano both of Manchester; sisters, Lisa B. DeStefano and husband Richard and Amy S. DeStefano and her children Aleksander and Tatiana, all of Portsmouth; grandparents Joan Madden of Old Orchard Beach, Maine, and Edward and Ora Madden of Lisbon Falls, Maine; sister-in-law Linda Martin and husband Richard; brother-in-law's Ed Madden and wife Diane, Dan Madden and wife Colleen and Tim Madden and wife Meryl; aunts and uncles, Edith and Ray Bailey, Barbara and Jerry Lewis, Shirley and Gary Keieleber, Sandy and Mike Shambo, Victoria Burak, Jo Ann and Chris Conroy; nieces, nephews, cousins and many special friends.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016, at the Middle Street Baptist Church, 18 Court St., Portsmouth. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to MC2 Charter School, 60 Rogers St., Unit 203, Manchester 03101. Visit jvwoodfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest book. Arrangements are under the direction of J. Verne Wood Funeral Home-Buckminster Chapel.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James DeStefano
Clifford Harris
August 8, 2024
James's physical presence is truly missed but when you are around commercial buildings or a group of other brokers you can feel his presence. Never forgotten.
Kathy Roosa
August 8, 2024
As a Realtor /Instructor , So many times I have said and heard others say Sure wish Jim was still with us ! He is missed by so many and for so many reasons . He would have a lot to say and he would offer his help wherever it is needed. ❤
Kathy R
Ted Arcidi
August 8, 2022
Still feeling your vibes bro..Keep 'em coming!
TED LUCIER
August 8, 2022
Always remember Jim as a real person who truly cared about people. God Bless You Jim!
Kathy Roosa
August 11, 2020
Thank you for the opportunity to pause and remember this man and leader .
It is often that I think of Jim .His knowledge of the law and his contributions are endless and they continue to lead us in the industry everyday.
His compassion for the law was contagious .
No doubt he , Neal , and Angie are debating it still .
Kathy Roosa
Barbara Lewis
August 10, 2020
Dear nephew Jimmy We miss you every day and have so many good memories with you. We are always so happy to see Andrew at your Mom’s and to follow sweet Vinessa on Facebook with her wonderful travels.
Love Forever Aunt Barbie & Uncle Jerry
Kim Spanos
August 24, 2016
My heartfelt condolences to the DeStephano family- Jim was a well known and respected part of our RE community. May Jim's positive outlook on life live on with your family. God Bless
Constance Silva
August 23, 2016
My condolences to the DeStefano family. I am simply heartbroken at the loss of Jim from this world. His compassion and friendship carried me through many difficult times. So generous with his wonderful smile. My prayers are with his beloved family.
Andy Black
August 23, 2016
To the family of Jim DeStefano,
I just learned this evening about the incredibly sad news of Jim's passing. Without a doubt, Jim was among the most respected, knowledgeable, ethical, driven and caring people I have ever met. Most notably, Jim stood out because he was a leader and a do-er - a team player who got things done by inspiring others to join him in various shared quests. A shining example of God's best work, Jim left the world a far better place than he found it. In ways calculable and not, we are all fortunate to have lived in his midst. May we keep Jim's positive attitude and caring spirit at the forefront as we carry on with our daily lives. God bless you and your family, friend.
Karen Bachelder
August 22, 2016
Dear DeStefano Family:
I was stunned and saddened when I heard about Jim, and he will be sorely missed by his friends and colleagues in the business community. Jim was a client and business colleague of several years, and was unfailingly professional, helpful, and a genuine pleasure to work with. My prayers and condolences to you!
Allison Ropes
August 19, 2016
Dear DeStefano family:
I am so saddened by the loss of Jim and my condolences go out to your family and friends. I will miss his visits to the CIBOR office. He was always so helpful and caring towards me and others. And, always a smile on his face.
Homere Girouard
August 18, 2016
My sincere sympathy to you Kate and to your family.
Lori Vinciguerra
August 18, 2016
My heartfelt sympathy to you all. My thoughts & prayers are with you. I hope your memories will bring you some comfort.
Clifford Harris
August 17, 2016
James you will be missed however I am blessed to know that I will see you in eternity and your biggest reward is in Heaven..
Howie Dozier
August 17, 2016
Martha, You have known your share of losses..
My Condolences..
Howie Dozier, Portland, ME
Leslie Riemitis
August 17, 2016
My deepest condolences on your loss. Jim was an active volunteer for NH REALTORS® and he made a significant difference. He will be sadly missed.
Rosheen LaValley
August 17, 2016
Oh Kate I am so deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Words cannot convey the empathy I feel for you and your family. I wish you strength and mercy at this difficult time!
Tom Colantuono
August 17, 2016
To the Destefano family, I am so sorry for your loss. I had known Jim since 1990 when I first entered the N.H. Senate. He was always one of the "good guys" in his work with the Realtors. Most recently, I worked with Jim in my capacity as president of the Franco-American Center in the sale of our building, and he did a very professional job. On behalf of the Center, I send our condolences, and I will miss Jim as a friend.
Bette Keegan
August 17, 2016
Kate, my deepest condolences to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Bette Keegan
Jean and Bob O'Brien
August 16, 2016
Dear Amy and family. We are sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers to all of you. May his memory be eternal.
Richard Zoffoli
August 16, 2016
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Cliff Hurst
August 16, 2016
Jim was a wonderful friend and he had the most welcoming smile. I enjoyed serving on the Manchester Chapter of the Red Cross with him. A person of great integrity and I was honored to call my friend. May God be with him and his wonderful family.
Betty and David Choate
August 16, 2016
Martha,Lisa,Amy,Katie,Vinessa and Andrew
Our hearts ache for all of you....
Jims smile lit up a room, how lucky we were to know him. Always thinking of someone else and would help you out in a moments notice if needed....
We will miss you Jim
August 16, 2016
Kate, Drew and Vinessa
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the Destefano family at this time of grieving. He is now Home with his Lord and savior. I will always be here for a hug and support.
Love you all Melody
Matt Johnson
August 16, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. Jim epitomized what it was to be a true professional. He made the world a better place and always looked for ways to help others. His leadership and wisdom will be missed.
Gloria Beachy
August 16, 2016
Kate, Drew and Vinessa, and all the family, Lee and I were shocked and saddened to hear the news of Jim's death.. We are certainly praying that the Lord will embrace you in His strong comforting arms. And we look to Jesus Who conquered death for us, so we can look forward to Heaven! I'll never forget Jim's great sweet smile!
Wilma Willson
August 16, 2016
Jim was both a friend and professional colleague over the past 20+ years. His kindness, work ethic, professionalism, and charitable nature were legendary in our business. My prayers go out to his family. I shall miss him. It really gives credence to the old saw that ONLY THE GOOD DIE YOUNG. So sorry for your/our loss.
August 16, 2016
Jim, I'm going to miss you. Nearly 30 years of friendship. Thanks, Dan Reidy
Nikki Filion
August 16, 2016
Vinessa, I'm so sorry for your loss! I worked with you a few summers back at LP, I'm Kelly's BF! You were the sweetest kid, I'm sending you prayers and strength at this difficult time!
Marion Clancy
August 16, 2016
My thoughts and prayers to the family. I was sad to learn of the passing of such a wonderful man. Rest in peace and may you always fly with the angels my friend.
John DeStefano
August 16, 2016
Just a great guy. A sad loss. My prayers and blessings go out to Jim and family.
John DiNapoli
August 16, 2016
Dear DeStefano Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. Jim was always gracious, kind and a true professional. I had the pleasure of working with him for many years when we were both on the Board at NHCIBOR. He will be missed. May your love for one another help you in the coming days, weeks and months ahead.
Dan Dube
August 16, 2016
I am shocked to hear this news and so sorry for your loss. I've met Jim a few times over the last year as I was looking for commercial property for my company. He was a true gentleman and a complete professional.
Now that I know he was a Christian, I hope you can take comfort in the knowledge that he is now enjoying eternal life and happiness.
August 16, 2016
We are so shocked and saddened to hear of the death of your husband/dad. Our deepest condolences to your family.
The Leiter Family
Carol Justic
August 16, 2016
Kate, Drew, Vinessa and the extended family - We are so devastated by this news. Jim was such a huge part of Collier's and my life as a dear and true friend. His smile and laugh would light up the whole office. Please know you are all in mine and Terry's thoughts and prayers and we'll be there for you from a business and friendship capacity for whatever you might need. With love~
August 16, 2016
Dear Destefano family, We were sorrowed at the news of Jimmy's death. We knew him mostly as a young man, and remember him as very friendly and respectful. May God be with you all. Love, Rev. and Mrs. Price
Dennis Cameron
August 16, 2016
Martha So Sorry for your loss.
Stephanie LaChapelle
August 16, 2016
I was so shocked and saddened when I got the news about Jim. Prayers of love and support to the family. Lisa, Amy, Martha - I am thinking of you.
Jim Fernald
August 16, 2016
Kate and family - so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bob & Ellen Scarponi
August 16, 2016
Words seem inadequate to convey our shock and sadness in the loss of such a fine and wonderful man. Sincere condolences.
Thomas Prieto
August 16, 2016
I knew Jim professionally and you could always count on him to give you a honest answer. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
August 15, 2016
Jim you are a very special nephew who will be missed by so many. Your memories will live in all our hearts forever. RIP Our love
Aunt Barbie & Uncle Jerry
August 15, 2016
Kathleen and family - sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you all. Dottie Camerato
Nicole Mastrogiovanni
August 15, 2016
My heart goes out to your family during this difficult time. Thoughts and prayers to all.
August 15, 2016
My deepest sympathy on your loss and may God's promises of life again on paradise earth bring you comfort and hope ( John 11 : 25 ).
Debbie Madden
August 15, 2016
My heart goes out to all his family. Such a shock to hear
Jim was a great man and always so proud of his family.
Keep all the memories close in your hearts.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Caskie Lewis-Clapper
August 15, 2016
There are no words to convey what we are feeling. We are so very thankful we had the honor of knowing Jim. Sending love and strength to you all and hoping you find peace in the many incredible memories you made with him.
Caskie
Madeleine and Anthony Florino
August 15, 2016
Our prayers are with you Kate Vanessa and Drew God Bless.
August 15, 2016
"The ones we love are never gone, they live within our hearts." Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim's family.
Rosemary and Dave Audette
Evan Papajohn
August 15, 2016
Kate,my deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your family.
Aurore Hood
August 15, 2016
May God be with Jim's family during this difficult time. He was a great Realtor, father and husband. Jim will be missed by those who knew him! Rest in peace, Jim!
August 15, 2016
Our sincere and deep sympathy to Jim's family. We will all miss Jim, who gave so many gifts to our communities and profession.
Pam and John Halvorsen
Bedford, NH
Brenda
August 15, 2016
My heart goes out to the whole family...my thoughts and prayers. Jimmy will always be in our hearts.
David & Elaine Penchansky
August 15, 2016
We cannot express how sad we were to hear of the passing of Jim. Have known for 30 years and truly had great respect for him as a true gentleman and a wonderful family man. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kate, Vanessa and Drew.
Sandy McPhee MGM Realty
August 15, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
sue Poulin
August 15, 2016
My sincere condolences to Jim's family. I worked with Jim for many years at NHAR and he was the kindest person, always a sincere smile for everyone. His professionalism and deep love for his work was an inspiration to all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.
Ronald & Robin Penn
August 15, 2016
We are so sad to hear of Jims passing. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family.
Jennifer Ducharme
August 15, 2016
My sincerest condolences to Jim's family and friends. I have worked with Jim for over two years now and always looked forward to seeing or talking with him. He was the utmost professional and gentleman and he will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Gary Chabot
August 15, 2016
I was very saddened by Jim's passing. I only knew him from our monthly CIBOR meetings, but was impressed by his passion and professionalism to his craft, and his unselfish works towards promoting the greater good in the State of NH.
shirley miles
August 15, 2016
So sorry for your loss.
August 15, 2016
So deeply saddened for your loss
Our thoughts , prayers and heartfelt sympathy !
Ed and Suzette Beevers
August 15, 2016
My condolences to the family
August 15, 2016
I was saddened to learn of Jim's sudden passing.
Although I knew him for a few short years, during the time we collaborated, I was always impressed with his knowledge and professionalism.
My sympathies and condolences to his family and friends.
Tom Nardozzi, KW Commercial
Gilda Stigliano
August 15, 2016
I am saddened and shocked to learn of Jim's passing. He was so kind and caring, admired an appreciated by many. He will be missed. I am certain he is in Heaven and you will see him again. So sorry for your loss. Will keep yourin prayer.
Dana Francois
August 15, 2016
My Deepest Sympathy and Condolences to the Family of Jim DeStefano. Sincerely, Dana Francois
Mike Novak
August 15, 2016
I'm so sorry to learn of Jim's passing. He was an incredible man, father and friend. I feel so fortunate for our friendship and memories. He touched so many people in so many ways.....he well be missed by all. My love and prayers to Kate and the entire family.
Barbara Tattersall
August 15, 2016
I am so very sorry. This is a huge loss and not just to the real estate community. My sympathies to his family...he was much too young.
Pat Dunn
August 15, 2016
I had the pleasure of working with Jim for close to 20 years. He was a kind and thoughtful person who always took his time with everyone and made them feel special. All of us at PHD will miss him. Our heart and prayers go out to his family and all his friends.
August 15, 2016
How very sad. Jim was so well respected in the Real Estate business.
Condolences to his entire family at this difficult time.
Betty LaBranche
August 15, 2016
Jim was always very kind and supportive of me as a commercial broker. Very professional and knowledgeable and always a joy t work with. I am very sorry for your loss.
Gail McCarthy
John Rice
August 15, 2016
A very sad and untimely loss. I had the utmost respect for Jim as a professional and colleague. My thoughts and prayers go out to Jim's family.
Deb Hanson
August 15, 2016
Shocked and deeply saddened to hear of your loss and "our loss" of a wonderful person and great friend. My prayers are with you and all who loved Jim...He will be missed.
August 15, 2016
I am beyond saddened and shocked to hear this news. My heart goes out to his family as this unimaginable loss sinks in. I worked closely with Jim thru the Nashua Board when we were both new to our careers. We stayed in touch over the years and he spoke so lovingly of his wife and children. I am SO sorry....Sharon McCaffrey
Tom Wible
August 15, 2016
I met Jim through his work on getting the Manchester skatepark renovated. He was a very nice and talented man who was an inspiration. I will miss him. My condolences.
Wendy Keeler
August 15, 2016
To Jim's family and all your friends, I was so shocked and saddened to learn of Jim's passing. I was lucky and blessed to have known him both professionally and as a friend. I will miss him. He will always be remembered for his smile and all he did for so many charitable organizations. All my thoughts and prayers to Jim's family and loved ones.
August 15, 2016
VERY SORRY-SHOCKED TO HEAR OF JIM DESTEFANO'S PASSING.HE WAS A TRUE PROFESSIONAL--JIM WILL BE MISSED ! -----MY SINCERE CONDOLENECES TO HIS FAMILY JIM BOYLE - CONCORD NH - KENNEBUNK, MAINE
Aviva Warford
August 15, 2016
I am so very sorry to hear. When I read his obituary, I thought, Yes he was so proud of his children. I saw this when they were at Weston. Jim always had a smile on his face. Please know that my thoughts are with you. Most Sincerely, Aviva Warford, Weston School
August 15, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jim Powers
August 15, 2016
My sincere condolences to the Destafano Family on Jim's passing. He was a true friend to so many. I will always remember his friend greeting when ever we spoke on the phone, or in person we will all miss his engaging personality, confident smile, and the inspiration he freely shared with so many.
Dan Jones
August 15, 2016
Jim was the consummate professional in business and, as I am learning, a man who lived his faith. I will remember his warm smile. My deepest sympathy and prayers to his family. We have all lost a truly good human being.
Bonnie Guevin
August 15, 2016
My heart is heavy and sad for the loss of such a great man and gentleman. He will be missed by all. Prayers to his family and know you are in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Denice DeStefano
August 15, 2016
Words simply cannot convey the sadness felt at hearing of Jim's passing. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on your loss DeStefano family. I will always remember Jim with much fondness.
Heather Rowan
August 15, 2016
I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Jims passing. He was a great man with such care in his heart for others. He will surely be very missed. My sincere condolences to Jim's family and everyone who knew him.
Elizabeth Keniston
August 15, 2016
May God bless all of you and help you through this painful loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim Bliss
August 15, 2016
My condolences to the entire Family. Such a tragic loss, I can't even imagine your heartache. Love and Positive energy from Gio and I.
Ted Arcidi
August 15, 2016
Jimmy ,you will always be in my prayers and I feel grateful to have known you ... In a working relationship as well as personal. we had some laughs All those meals.
It's hard to straddle....As you would say "Yikes"!
God speed Jimmy, Ted
Craig & Wendy Keeler
August 15, 2016
We were shocked and greatly saddened to learn of Jim's passing and we send our heartfelt condolences to his family. We had worked together many times in the past with Jim and had the utmost respect and admiration for everything that Jim stood for. He was a consummate professional and like as others who knew Jim, we know that he will be sorely missed. May you rest in peace our friend.
Jeanne Phelan
August 15, 2016
Andrew and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Mrs. Phelan, Weston School
August 15, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family. Joe and Nancy Gobbi.
Andre Tremblay
August 15, 2016
So very sad to hear of Jim's passing. My deepest condolences to his family. He will be sorely missed by all who know him.
Wendy Brien-Baker
August 15, 2016
I was so veery sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Even though I hadn't seen him in many years since working with him, we had been in contact and I was glad to have had that! He was a great man and my thoughts are with his family during this time.
Dianne Beaton
August 15, 2016
I am so saddened to hear of Jim's passing, he always greeted you with a smile and generous soul. Jim you will be missed, may you rest peacefully. To his family, thank you for letting us have time with him.
Joe Friedman
August 15, 2016
It was so sad to hear of Jim's passing. I always liked him and thought he was special, unique in the business and a very warm and caring person. He will be missed by so many of us.
Fred Attalla
August 15, 2016
My sincere condolences to the DeStefano Family. Jim was a true gentleman and professional, well liked and respected by his colleagues. He will be missed
Judi Covey
August 15, 2016
I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.Judi
Arthur Slattery
August 15, 2016
When I say Jim will be missed I do so given his numerous contributions to the real estate industry, his city, his family and others in need. He was soft spoken but carried a big (and sharp) stick. He worked hard and smart and got things done without need for personal recognition. I will miss him but know he has gone to a better place. Rest in peace Jim.
Paul McCoy
August 15, 2016
Shocked!! of hearing the passing of Jim!!
A great person who worked very hard to do the right thing at all times.
I can only think that the Lord needed help in the World beond and brought Jim home sooner then anyone would think.
Good Bless you Jim and your family
Katherine Desrochers
August 15, 2016
I am so sorry to read of Jim's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
John Doran
August 15, 2016
Shocked when I received the news and saddened for our loss. My heart goes out to his family. I first met Jim when he entered the real estate industry in the mid-80's. He has always been a contributor...a giver...sincere and authentic. I miss him already. Prayers.
Ted Lucier
August 15, 2016
Jim was perhaps the finest person I have ever known. Always upbeat and saying good things about others. I will miss having him on the planet with us. God bless him and his family.
Showing 1 - 100 of 107 results
Make a Donation
in James DeStefano's name
Memorial Events
for James DeStefano
Funeral services provided by:
J. Verne Wood Funeral Home - Buckminster Chapel - Portsmouth84 Broad Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James DeStefano's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
