James P. Antonelli

James P. Antonelli, 65, of Sugarloaf Twp., passed away while vacationing in St. Petersburg, Fla., on Feb. 14.

Born in Hazleton, he was the son of the late John and Margaret (Damato) Antonelli.

James, fondly known as "Jim," was employed by Tobyhanna Army Depot for 36 years, with his final role being the director of resource management prior to retiring.

He was a member of St. John Bosco Church, Sugarloaf Twp.

Jim was a wonderful father who loved his children and twin grandsons, Jacob and Archer. He enjoyed hunting with his 15 year old dog, Belle, being outdoors and traveling to the beach, as well as volunteering at Ss. Cyril and Methodius Church in Hazleton, where he enjoyed baking and making pierogies. He enjoyed studying military history, most recently on a trip to London, Normandy and Paris. His love of military history also inspired him to take several different World War II bomber plane rides in recent years.

Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, was his sister-in-law, Lorraine McNamara.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Mary Ann (Shiner); son, James; daughter, Leigh Antonelli Hewlett and her husband, Mark; brother, John Antonelli and his wife, Kathy; sisters, Dianne Chandler and her husband, Byron; and Jacqueline Simmons and her husband, Barry; sister-in-law, Lisa Bittenbender and her husband, Jeff; brother-in-law, Andy Shiner and his wife, Donna; and Mark Shiner and his wife, Sharon; and many nieces.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday in St. John Bosco Church, 573 state Route 93, Sugarloaf Twp.

Friends may call at the church from 9 to 10 a.m.

Entombment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Drums.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John Bosco Church or to the Hazleton Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 481, Hazleton, PA 18201.

McNulty Funeral Home, 494 E. Butler Drive, Freeland, is assisting his family with local arrangements.