James J. Liguori

James J. Liguori, 76, of Hermitage, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends late Thursday evening, November 7, 2024, in UPMC Shadyside Hospital, Pittsburgh, following a courageous seven-month battle with cancer. Mr. Liguori was born July 7, 1948, in Brooklyn, NY, a son of the late Dominick and Mildred (Ferrando) Liguori. He was a 1965 graduate of Xaverian High School, also in Brooklyn, and was honored to have achieved his Eagle Scout prior to graduation. By 1970, Jim had graduated from New York University with a Bachelor's in Business Administration and a Master's in Economics. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves for four years. Following school, Jim worked on Wall Street for two years as a transfer agent at Smith Barney, and from 1972 to 1979 worked for the Campbell Soup Company at their headquarters in Camden, New Jersey. The majority of Jim's career was serving as Chief Executive Officer of Morgan Food's, Inc., later serving as its President for nearly 22 years. During that time, Jim became a large shareholder in Morgan Food's which is comprised of Pizza Hut, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Taco Bell franchises, and served on various boards for several corporations within the quick service foods (QSF) industry at the national level. He retired in 2022. Jim was an active member of Grace Chapel Community Church, Hermitage, where he served as an Elder and enjoyed volunteering for church activities. Jim had a deep faith in God that provided him a profound peace throughout his life. He shared his faith through action and tried to inspire those he loved to find that remarkable peace that God provides. During retirement, he enjoyed playing golf with his buddies as well as cooking and entertaining for family and friends. His wife of 34 years, Christine M. "Tina" (O'Leary) Liguori, whom he married July 20, 1990, survives at home. Jim is also survived by two sons, Darryl Liguori, Lebanon, PA, and Kyle Liguori (Jennifer), Nazareth, PA; a daughter, Jennifer Kollar (Jeffrey), Sharon; two granddaughters, Breah Lombardi (Dr. Domenic) and Kendall Liguori; two grandsons, Tyler and Matthew Liguori; 10 international grandsons; three great-grandsons, Zyaire Konate, and Peter and James Lombardi; a Goddaughter, McKenzie Astey; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a brother, Dominic J. Liguori; and a sister, Grace Mary Meter. The family would like to thank the staff and nurses of UPMC Shadyside Hospital for their unwavering compassion and care. The family would also like to express their sincere gratitude for David, Mark, and Richard, as well as Nancy from UPMC Home Health, all of whom have become family. Jim was a dedicated husband, an amazing father, and a loving papa. He was a well-respected and beloved man who positively impacted countless lives. Jim strived to be the very best and taught all of those who loved him to do the same. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or Grace Chapel Community Church, 4075 Lamor Rd., Hermitage, PA 16148. Calling hours will be 3 to 7 p.m. Friday November 22, 2024, in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m.Saturday, November 23, 2024, in Grace Chapel Community Grace, with Rev. Aaron Lego, officiating. Interment: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermitage.