James Walter Natelli

WEBSTER - James Walter Natelli (Jimmy) 60 years old, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday morning, February 22, 2025, in Webster, N.Y. There will be no formal religious services or calling hours. However, a celebration of life is being planned for some time later this summer. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in loving memory of Jimmy Natelli to: Alyssa's Angels, P.O. Box 129, West Henrietta, N.Y. 14586. (All checks should be made out to Alyssa's Angels.)

Jimmy was born December 18, 1963, in Geneva, N.Y., the son of Joe and Mary (Robie) Natelli. He graduated from Geneva High School in 1982. He attended Alfred College and Finger Lakes Community College, ultimately graduating from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in 1984 with a degree in Accounting. Upon graduating from RIT, he became a CPA and opened his own accounting firm (Natelli and Manioci (David) Tax Preparers Professional), which he has operated for the past 37 years out of offices in Rochester and Ft. Myers Beach, Fla. Jimmy was an outstanding athlete who excelled in basketball and golf. He was one of the best point guards to ever come out of the Finger Lakes Region. In January of 1981, Jimmy was dubbed "The Little Big Man" in a Finger Lakes Times article. Reporter Tom Leo stated, "In a land of giants, in which Geneva's four other starters average 6'3 inches in height, it was the 5'6 Natellie who stole the thunder from the big boys and sealed the victory!" Like his favorite player "Larry Bird", Jimmy was a wizard on the basketball court in high school and college. He was a local YMCA Men's-Hour legend, and he set the Geneva High School single-game assist record during a sectional basketball game against Hornell in February of 1982 (19 assists). He also loved Tiger Woods and competitive golf. As his friends from Rochester's Wildwood Golf Course will attest, he was known throughout the region for his golfing prowess.

During the last years of his life, he spent a significant amount of time caring for his loving parents Joe, Mary, and their little dog, Buttercup. Jimmy was predeceased by his father and mother, Joe and Mary (Robie) Natelli.

He is survived by his sisters Annie Natelli Rolph (Pete) and Patti Natelli; his nephew Matt Rolph; his Niece Carly Rolph; and numerous cousins; relatives; and dear friends. Special thanks go out to Chris Bruno, Johnny Bucklin, Johnny "Q", and Coach Pitt.

Jimmy will be very sadly missed and never forgotten.