James V. DiVita

WINSTED -
James V. DiVita, 81, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. He was the loving husband of Jeanne (Poole) DiVita for 57 years. Born on January 22, 1944 in Winsted; the son of the late Joseph and Theresa (Nero) DiVita.
Jim graduated from the Gilbert School, Class of 1962 and graduated from CCSU, Class of 1973. He taught at St. Paul Catholic High School from 1973- 1980. He then worked for the CT Dept. of Public Safety for 30 years retiring in 2009. Jim also was a substitute teacher for Northwest Regional #7 High School for many years which he thoroughly enjoyed and loved the kids.
Jim proudly served in the U.S. Air Force for 30 years retiring in 2000. He was very involved in his community serving on the Winsted Board of Recreation for 45 years, Winsted Board of Ed for 4 years, Winsted Board of Selectman for 2 years and the Auxiliary for Community Health Thrift Shop.
Jim also volunteered his time as a Winsted Justice of the Peace, Eucharistic Minister for St. Joseph's Church for 27 years and was a 4th Degree Knight for the Winsted Knights of Columbus. Jim also served as a Basketball Official for 25 years for Litchfield County and Basketball Coach for 15 years at Gilbert High.
In addition to his wife, he leaves two sons, James "Tito" DiVita and wife Sarah of Union, KY and Chris DiVita and wife Vanessa of New Hartford; grandchildren, Ciara of Charlotte, NC, Maria (Joe) Work of Columbus, OH, Aidan, Devin, Lydia, Ty, Gianna, Chiara and Joella; step granddaughter, Julia (Tyler) Link of Columbus, OH; sisters, Joan Durant, Mary (Fred) Newman and Sandra (Joe) Lemelin, all of Winsted; in laws, Robert Poole and wife Colleen of Winsted, Bill Poole and wife Arlene of Torrington and Kathryn Jackson of Kittery, Maine; and many nieces and nephews along with many wonderful cousins. Jim has a large, very loving and caring Italian family.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a half brother, Bill (Georgia) Lane and two brother-in-laws, James and John Poole.
Friends may call on Friday, November 28, 2025 at Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 922 Main Street, Winsted from 2 - 5 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at St. Joseph Church, Winsted at 11 AM. Burial will follow at the old St. Joseph Cemetery, off Holabird Avenue, with Military Honors. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com