James Lawrence Dahill Sr.

1931 - 2018

Dahill Sr., James Lawrence
Living a life filled with generosity, love and friendship, James L. Dahill deeply touched the hearts of those he met. At age 86, James peacefully passed away at his home on the water in Branford, CT with loved ones by his side after a long and courageous battle fighting diabetes. Friday evening, he was listening to the University of Miami Hurricanes vs Boston College Football game – a rivalry that he loved – with beloved wife Patsy, daughter Pami, caregivers Virginia (Marie) Barbes, Jose Delgado and his little pal Jack the dog.
Born December 3rd, 1931 in New Haven, he is son of the late Frank John Dahill and Helen Butterfield and brother to the late Harrold F. Dahill.
Jimmy is survived by his loving wife Patricia Poli Sheahan Hadden Dahill, sister Mary Ann Dahill McAdam, children; James L. (Jamie) Dahill Jr., Geoffrey Dahill, Kristin Dahill, Brian Dahill, Brenden Dahill, step children; Steven Shanley, Troy Maiocco, Royse Islieb, Dair Nieckar, Michael Shanley, Deborah Hadden Moore, Pamela Tomlin and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He attended Hopkins School in New Haven and graduated in 1949 from James Hillhouse High School. He attended Bryant College in Rhode Island and received his BBA from the University of Miami in Florida. While at Miami, Jimmy was president of his Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and has since remained a devoted sports fan of his college alma mater. After graduation he came back to New Haven and got his feet wet working for the John Rembert Company. He then joined his family at the F. J. Dahill Company and became President until retirement.
The roofing business was his life and very proud of it. He was President of the Connecticut Roofing Contractor Association, President of The New England Roofing Contractors Association and he sat on the Board of Directors of the National Roofing Contractors Association.
Throughout his life Jimmy loved to be involved in community and social organizations. At age 26 he was appointed New Haven Fire commissioner by New Haven's Mayor Lee and served for 13 years. He was also a member of New Haven Country Club, Quinnipiac Club, and Race Brook Country Club. His best winters were spent with his beloved wife Patsy at the Boca Raton, oceanfront condo they shared for over 15 years.
Friends may call Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St. Branford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 at St. Aedan's Church on Fountain St. in New Haven. Interment will follow at St. Lawrence Cemetery in West Haven. Memorial contributions may be made to the Northeast Roofing Educational Foundation, 100 Grossman Dr., Suite 300, Braintree, MA 02184. Please see online memorial @ www.wsclancy.com.