James Fanuzzi

Founded industrial packaging & distribution firm with national reach, led a life of achievement & adventure, 'first love was family'.
James Fanuzzi, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many, died on September 17, 2021, at his home in Delray Beach, Florida from complications from pneumonia. He leaves behind a family enriched by his brilliant spirit, remarkable career, and inspiring life journey. He was 88 years old. James was born on October 3, 1932 to James Fanuzzi and Ruth (nee Sharkey) Fanuzzi of Staten Island. Raised in Travis, he was both an All-Island athlete, worthy of a tryout with the professional baseball team New York Giants, and an exceptional graduate of Port Richmond High School. A first-generation college student, James graduated from City College of New York with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1958 and began his career in the Research and Development division of the Union Carbide corporation. After serving as a sales agent for packaging and plastics manufacturers in the New York metropolitan area, James launched his own industrial packaging and distribution company, Lake Shore Plastics, based in Chicago Illinois. With national contracts for food manufacturers Ralston Puritan, General Mills, and General Foods, Lake Shore Plastics became an industry leader in the emerging field of engineered packaging systems. James married Doris Panzarino of Bronx, New York in 1956 and had two children, James and Robert; the marriage ended in divorce. In 1976, he married Elizabeth Jachimowicz, a museum curator and costume historian, and relocated to Chicago. While running his own company and in retirement, James enjoyed Chicago's rich social and cultural life and a global travel itinerary with Elizabeth that took them to Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and South America. His love of great food, wine, and conviviality accompanied them everywhere they went. Though James led a life of great achievements and exciting adventures, his first love was always family. A big-hearted and generous man, James shared his time, resources, and wisdom with all who sought his counsel. His extraordinary life continues to inspire his family. His son Robert remarked, "My father lived enough for several lives but is forever young. A true innovator, world traveler, and loving family man, he brought his love of life and shining spirit to all who met him." In addition to his wife Elizabeth, his sons James and Robert, and his former wife Doris, James is survived by his brother Edward of Staten Island, sister Ruth of Manchester, New Jersey, granddaughter Mia, daughter-in-law Joann Smith, and many loving nieces and nephews. Memorial services for James Fanuzzi will be held on October 16, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, 1890 Forest Avenue, Staten Island. In lieu of flowers, donations in the name of James Fanuzzi can be made to Doctors Without Borders and Chicago Lyric Opera.