James H. Sansonetti Sr.

1907 - 10

James H. Sansonetti Sr., 102, of Anderson S.C., formerly of Jeannette, passed away Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010, in Anderson, S.C. He was born Oct. 20, 1907, in Hastings, a son of the late Alexander and Carmella Sansonetti. Prior to his retirement, Jim was the owner of the former William Penn Building Products Supply Co. of Murrysville. He continued to operate his company as his career started in the banking industry. Jim was a co-founder of the former Jeannette Federal Savings and Loan Association, now currently the Huntington Bank located on the corner of S. Fourth Street and Clay Avenue in Jeannette. The company was founded in 1956 and Jim served as president from its beginning until 1977. Jim also was very involved in the Jeannette Public Library. He served on the library board for many years and was president of the board from 1980 to 1981. He served as co-chairman of the Library Renovation Campaign during the transition of the libraries location from City Hall to its current location at the corner of Magee Avenue and S. Sixth Street. His major contribution helped to establish the Youth Learning Center of the current library. He was a member of the Father Frederick H. Suggs Council No. 6892 of the Knights of Columbus and member of the 4th Degree Bishop England Assembly No. 1072, both of Columbia, S.C. In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by his wife, Anna Ruskoff Sansonetti, in 1994; a son, Richard E. Sansonetti; a grandson, Gennaro J. "Geno" Cioffi; and a son-in-law, Joseph V. Cioffi. He is survived by his daughter, Patricia S. Cioffi, of Anderson, S.C.; a son, James H. Sansonetti and wife, Marsha, of Columbia, S.C.; 14 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Dolly Rager Sansonetti, of Jeannette and Iowa; a sister, Penny Valentine, of Florida; and several nieces and nephews. Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday in the JOHN V. GRAZIANO FUNERAL HOME INC., 228 N. Second St., Jeannette. The St. Vincent Assembly No. 918 Color Corps will stand guard from noon to 1 p.m. in the funeral home. A blessing service will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home chapel with Father John M. Foriska as celebrant. Inurnment will take place in Twin Valley Memorial Park, Delmont.