James Anthony Borelli

1918 - 2017

May 23, 1918 - September 22, 2017 James Anthony Borelli, passed away peacefully on Sept. 22nd, 2017 after an enduring life of 99 years and 4 months. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle and grandfather. He is survived by his son Jimmy (Susan) Borelli, granddaughter Andrea Marie (his true treasure), daughter Shirley (David) Sanderson, nephews Eugene (Jeanne) Lunetta, Michael (Sharon) Cress, nieces Catherine "Trina" Borelli and Diane (Lon) Handelsman. Born in Blende, Colorado in 1918 to Italian immigrants Angelo and Connie (Conchetta) Fortino Borelli (of Reggio and Cosenza ITALY); he left for California in 1936, followed by his parents, brother Frank, and sisters Jessie and Teresa. They settled in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles on Darwin Ave. A WWII veteran, James enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force in 1942, serving in the North African and European theaters. An eyewitness to the horrors of Dachau Concentration Camp, shortly after its liberation in 1945, the observation left an indelible impression that he would carry for the rest of his life. He retired from the L.A. City School District in 1986 after 39 years of service. James was also a past president of the East Los Angeles Lions Club, as well as their newsletter editor and treasurer from 1967-69. A virtual expert on classic movie western cowboy stars, he could name every cowboy that ever rode a horse on the silver screen. As a boy, while working in his Uncle Louie's store in Pueblo, CO, he met cowboy film star Bob Steele, who came into the store to buy sliced lunch meat. James was a man of great internal fortitude. He attributed his longevity to faith in God, prayer, forgiveness and good old-fashioned determination, regardless of circumstances. He will be dearly missed and always remembered. In lieu of flowers, donations to a veterans group of your choice is welcome. Funeral services will be at Calvary Cemetery and Mortuary, 4201 Whittier Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90023. Friday, October 06, 2017, 11:00 AM. Graveside Service will be at 12:00 PM. (www.calvarymortuary.com/obituary/james-borelli)