James Alfonso Papa

1927 - 2025

James Alfonso "Jimmy" Papa, 98, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025. He was surrounded by his children and his beloved daughter-in-law, Paula.

Born in Pittsfield, MA on June 3, 1927, he was the son of Charles Papa Sr. and Grace (Blancato) Papa.

Charles and Grace arrived in America at the early age of 15. With no family at their side, they made their way to Pittsfield, married and raised their four boys, Joseph, Frank, James and Charles Jr. on Whipple Street and later Fenn Street surrounded by other Italian families and their close-knit traditions.

James graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1945 and enlisted in the Armed Services. He served as Private First Class in Company M 32nd Infantry Regiment in World War II. He was awarded the Army of Occupation WWII Victory Metal as well as the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with a brief period in South Korean and was Honorably Discharged in February of 1947.

Upon his return home, he began a plumbing apprenticeship. His aptitude for the work became clear and he began his lengthy career in Pneumatic Controls with Honeywell which required extensive travel throughout New England. He would remain with Honeywell until his retirement at the age of 65.

Retirement was by no means any less productive for Jim. He devoted those years to the passions he loved most- gardening, winemaking, canning and cooking. There was always a bottle of wine to share, giant cloves of garlic to gift and jars of tomatoes to offer as his gift of the heart. His garden was more than a patch of earth; it was his sanctuary. Each row was perfectly aligned, inspired by the vineyards he so admired during his trip to Italy.

Jim was never a man at rest. There was always a project to be done for his children, his grandchildren, his friends or even complete strangers. There was nothing Jim couldn't or wouldn't do for someone in need. He once drove past an elderly woman struggling to mow her lawn. Without hesitation he pulled over, took the mower from her hands and finished the job. She reminded him of his mother and he simply could not drive past her without lending that helping hand.

In his elder years, Jim installed State of the Art Heating systems in each of his children's homes. At 90, he installed one in his granddaughter Brittany's home.

If you knew Jim, you're likely to have a story of him showing up to help out in some way, tools and strong opinions on hand. Oh, the stories we could tell when that job did not go according to plan - if you're smiling now, you understand. Each of these stories a cherished memory now.

The proud father of his four children he leaves behind James and Nancy Papa of Rochester NY, Judy and Dave Nadeau of Pittsfield, Jill McInnis of Carver MA and Jon and Paula Papa of Pittsfield. Grandchildren Bradley Papa, Lindsay Frink, Brittany Allen, Kirby McInnis and Caitlin Staffieri as well as Great Grandchildren Mason, Cecelia and Molly Staffieri, Evelyn and Samuel Frink and Chase, Weston and Taylor Allen will miss their Grandpa and "Papa". He is also survived by the mother of his children Mary (Monteleone) Papa.

If Jim's garden was his sanctuary, his animals were his beloved companions. His rescues were many and well loved. Sandy, a St. Bernard, held a special place in his heart. In lieu of flowers, the family humbly requests considering donations made to The Humane Society or to Tunnels to Towers in support of Veteran's needs.

The Family wishes to thank the staff of Berkshire Place and Hospice Care in the Berkshires for their loving care and support of "Papa". He truly loved you all.

Funeral Notice:

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Mark's Parish in Pittsfield MA at 11:00 on November 14th. A celebration of life to follow.