James Antenucci

James Edward Antenucci passed away peacefully after a brief illness on March 1, 2023; he was preceded in death by his loving parents, Edward and Mary Keenan Antenucci.
Born February 5, 1939, in Manhattan, New York, Jim graduated from Mount St. Michael Academy, then earned a bachelor of civil engineering degree from Manhattan College. He worked at an architectural firm in New York City until joining the Navy and seeing the world. On shore duty in Hawaii in 1973, he met his future wife, Patricia Ann Spratlin, and they married in Honolulu the next year. Moving to Maine, Jim served as Commander, Naval Reserve Center Portland, then worked at another shore command in New Orleans. After retiring from the Navy, Jim continued to serve his country at the Department of Veterans Affairs Benefits Administration for over 20 years. Prior to retiring from the VBA, he enjoyed training and mentoring numerous employees.
Throughout his life, Jim's engaging personality, sense of humor and interest in people resulted in close friendships he kept from childhood, college, Navy, VA and civilian days. He loved all his family and was a wonderful husband, father and brother. Jim was a faithful Christian who found a church community wherever he lived.
Lifelong learning was a joy to him in a variety of fields: music, especially opera and other classical works; reading and studying (including getting a masters degree in human resource management from Pepperdine University); enjoying nature, especially plants and birds; and staying physically active (tai chi class, etc.).
Jim is survived by his wife Pat, daughter Melissa (Leigh) Linden in Austin, Texas; brother John (Roni) Antenucci in Sarasota, Florida; grandchildren Lila and Carter Linden in Austin, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Burial with military funeral honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia will be held Friday, July 28, 2023 at 9 am (guests will gather at 8:15 am). In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's honor can be made to the church of your choice or to the New York Public Library.
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