James CUCINOTTA

CUCINOTTA James Anthony. Born March 5, 1931, in Cincinnati, OH, the son of immigrant parents, Angelina and Philippo Cucinotta from Sicily, Jim aspired to and achieved the American dream. As a graduate from Purcell High School, he was president of his senior class, student council, and recognized as an All-City basketball player in 1949. He continued his education at the University of Cincinnati as a scholarship basketball player and a member of the Reserve Officers Training Corps. Upon graduating from U.C. with a BS in Business Administration, he served honorably as a lieutenant in the US Army stationed in Germany during the Korean War. In 1959 Jim married Rita Riga. He began his building career, which was dedicated to St. Joseph, in 1960 and he was one of the largest builders of apartment dwellings and single family houses in southwestern Ohio. Jim passionately believed a single family home was the symbol of the American dream. Jim will be remembered as a generous, faithfu man whose optimism and love of America, work, life, friends, family and church will be his enduring legacies. Jim is survived by his wife Rita of 43 happy years; his six daughters Tina (Scott) Colbert of St. Louis, Diane of Indianapolis, Christine of Baltimore, Jami of Cleveland, Ann of Cincinnati, and Cadi (Dave) Kelly of Cincinnati; and his granddaughters Riann and Grace. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests a donation to St. Gertrude Parish's Building Fund at 7630 Shawnee Runn Rd., 45243, Purcell High School at 2935 Hackberry St., 45206 or masses. Calling hours will be at Gilligan Funeral Home, 8225 Montgomery Rd. on Monday, April 1, 5-8. A funeral mass will be at St. Gertrude Parish, 7630 Shawnee Run Rd. on Tuesday, April 2 at 1 P.M. Interment at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, 11000 Montgomery Road.