James Joseph MISTRETTA

James Joseph Mistretta

James Joseph Mistretta, 67, of Forest, died peacefully at home Monday, May 5, 2008.

He was born Aug. 9, 1940, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to James and Eva Mistretta. He was a loving husband to Sylvia and a devoted father of Christine Mistretta of Forest, Eve Giacinto and husband, Silvio, of Bethpage, N.Y., Rose Aloice and husband, Rob, of Deer Park, N.Y., and James V. Mistretta of Richmond.

As a graduate of C.W. Post College in Westbury, N.Y., he retired from a successful career in sales distribution and proudly served his country during peacetime as a member of the U.S. Air Force.

In addition to his wife and children, James is survived by his brother, Stephen Mistretta and his wife, Renata, of Forest; and his sisters, Barbara Bollins, wife of George, and Mary Shaw, wife of Merle, all of Connecticut.

James was also the proud grandfather of Robbie and Nina Aloise, Nicole and Marie Giacinto, and Anthony Mistretta. He will be sadly missed by his cousins, Joe and Mary Caraccia of Forest; and his loving nieces and nephews which include, Liz Crespo, Christine Ray, Andrea Ratic, Barbara Bollins, Katie and Merle Shaw, Marie, Michael, Nicholas and Stephen Mistretta.

James (Jim) has touched many lives and will be missed by all who knew him.

The family will receive friends at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. tonight May 7, 2008. For those wishing to honor him, a Mass of Resurrection is to be celebrated at St. Thomas More Catholic Church at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 8, 2008, with the Rev. James E. Dorson officiating. Interment will follow in Virginia Memorial Park in Forest.

Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, (434) 237-9424. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tharpfuneralhome.com.