James V. Decato

James “Uncle Jimmy” Decato, 65, beloved brother, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully on Wednesday October 18th at St Mary’s Hospital with his brother Alan by his side after a long hard-fought battle with cancer.

James was born September 14, 1958 at Norwalk Hospital to the late Gloria and Doran Decato. James spent his early years growing up in Norwalk with his brother and mother before moving to Danbury and then Bethel for several years, spending his teens and graduating high school at Bethel High School, and then eventually moving and settling down in Naugatuck. James spent several years of his teens working on and repairing air compressors. His skills and knowledge had the company sending him on repair trips from Texas to Borneo, and many places in between. James was a loyal employee to a fault and always felt he could do more.

James was an avid outdoorsman, spending his early years skiing the slopes at his uncle’s lodge in Bennington Vermont, to later in life spending time bird watching, hiking, biking, and exploring new places and trails with his GPS. A member of the NRA he enjoyed target shooting and shooting clay pigeons with his family and friends. James was also a handyman on short notice, should family or friends ever need a helping hand, he was always there in no time at all. He was an avid reader and history buff, especially the civil war.

James was full of obscure and interesting historical knowledge and loved to share it. Though sometimes they may have fought like cats and dogs and agreed on things as often as Hailey’s comet passes by, the bond Jimmy and Al had was strong.  They were devoted to one another, and whether Al wants to admit it or not, Jimmy was the yin to his yang or bullet to his gun.

Perhaps better known to most as “Uncle Jimmy” he was a devoted uncle and friend. Though he would change his hobbies and interests like most people change their socks, one of his greatest loves and adoration that never waned was that for his niece and nephew and later transitioning that seamlessly to his great niece and nephews. James took great honor in being asked to be godfather to his niece Ashley and fulfilled his duties exceptionally. One of James’ greatest joys in life was spending vacations, holidays, and time in general with his brother, Al and his nieces and nephews, well maybe just his nieces and nephews. He may not have been related by blood but the love and caring Uncle Jimmy expressed to them could rival any DNA test. Never missing a holiday, birthday, major life milestone, or just a Sunday dinner. A very special bond was shared between him and his great nephew Nicky and will forever be best buddies.

"For I must be traveling on now, cause there’s too many places I’ve got to see.”

James is survived by his brother, Alan Decato (Naugatuck); chosen siblings, Salvatore and Patricia Chieffalo (Stratford); niece/goddaughter, Ashley Chieffalo (Stratford); nephew, Nicholas Sr. and Michelle Chieffalo (Monroe); great-niece, Allison Butler; great-nephews, Christopher Butler and Nicholas Chieffalo Jr; and many cousins. James is predeceased by his mother, Gloria Decato and several aunts and uncles.

Friends may greet Jimmy’s family at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Naugatuck, 201 Meadow Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770 on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 5PM until 6:30PM.  His funeral service will begin at 6:30PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org.  To leave online condolences for his family, please visit www.fordfh.com

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