James Zurlo

James Zurlo passed peacefully at home on February 3, 2024. He shared 86 years of love with his family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 6th at 10:30 am at Immaculate Conception Church, 30 N. Fullerton Ave., Montclair, NJ. Interment to follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery. Donations in his memory may be made to the good work of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. www.stjude.org
James was born to the late James and Rose Marie (Danisi) in Massachusetts. They moved to Belleville, NJ when he was five years old. He attended Bruce Street School for the Deaf in Newark as a child and later graduated from Trenton School for the Deaf.
He met Barbara Van Court at a church social and they married in September of 1963. James worked hard with Wallace & Tiernan for many years, providing a good life for his family.
His meticulous nature defined every facet of his life. His passion for building intricate models, especially of boats and planes, showcased his attention to detail.
A member of the Eastern Penn - Jersey Deaf Bass Anglers Club, he embraced freshwater fishing and fostered connections through various clubs. He enjoyed his time at the pool and loved to soak up the sunshine. At home, he enjoyed old Westerns and old War movies. The HBO Western channel was a standard in the Zurlo living room. A history enthusiast, he stayed up to date of news and current events, his mind an ever-curious stockroom of knowledge. His quirky sense of humor and his joyful spirit will be remembered for years to come.
He leaves his wife Barbara of 60 years; his children John Zurlo (Maureen) and Carol Zurlo (Charles Rakovic); his grandchildren Colin and Iris Zurlo and many dear relatives and friends. His sister Marie Bogle passed before him.