James B. Ramistella

James B. Ramistella, age 69, passed away unexpectedly on March 21, 2023 with his loved ones by his side. He is survived by his wife Debra Lee Ramistella, his siblings Michael Ramistella and Judith Scott, his two daughters, Lindsey Ramistella Tedesco and her husband Frank, Nicole Ramistella Walker and her husband Ryan, as well as his stepchildren, Dena Brogan and her husband Patrick, Ashley Borgatti and her husband Joseph, Christopher Gioranino and his wife Kayla, and many other relatives and friends. James was truly a one of a kind and his loss is devastating for everyone who knew him. James was born on June 30, 1953 in Waterford, Connecticut to Ben and Eva Ramistella. After graduating from Waterford High School, he worked construction to put himself through college. Upon graduating from Central Connecticut State University, James embarked on a long, accomplished career in insurance. He was set to retire from Mapfre at the end of June 2023 - on his 70 th birthday. James raised Lindsey and Nicole with his first wife in East Haddam, Connecticut until 1997 when the family moved to Westbrook, Connecticut. As would be a common theme throughout his life, James always put his family first. He never missed an opportunity to be his daughters’ loudest and most visible cheerleader – whether it be a softball game, band concert, or other extracurricular event. Upon meeting Debra, James instantly knew he had found his soulmate and was welcomed with open arms into her loving family. They married in August 2011 and created their home in Westfield, Massachusetts. James was the epicenter of his loving blended family and of his neighborhood. Where James went, a good time followed. A devout Green Bay Packer fan, his infectious, fun-loving enthusiasm instantly converted those around him into cheering cheeseheads - GO PACK GO! Naturally curious, James knew a lot about a lot, and was endlessly generous with his time, help, and guidance. He delighted in nature and simple pleasures, and was never afraid to be silly or sentimental. James loved tending to the beautiful garden he created with his wife, doting on his dog Harlee, country drives in his corvette, Blake Shelton, Top Gun, sippin’ poolside, lakeside, or fireside with family, yearly celebrations of his marriage in Ogunquit, Maine, and most important to him, spending time with his children and grandchildren. As his roster of grandchildren grew, so did his nicknames. He will be remembered fondly as ”Granbo”, “Putt-Putt”, and “Bo-Bo” by his nine grandchildren: Jace Philip Brogan (15), Taeva Lee Brogan (12), Dalton Joel Gioranino (7), Frankie Rose Borgatti (6), Luke James Tedesco (3), Rowan James Walker (3), Rhylan Gray Borgatti (3), Callia Capri Gioranino (3), and Maeve Olivia Walker (8 months). A celebration to honor James will be held on Saturday, March 25 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Curran Jones Funeral Home in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Memorial donations in James’ name can be made to your favorite charity or your favorite watering hole, where you are instructed to enjoy a tall one and tell a few stories of the great James Ramistella.