James Edward Foley

James Foley, 89, of North Haven, CT, peacefully departed this world surrounded by his family on January 11, 2025. He was born in Derby, CT on December 21, 1935. Jim, as he was known to many, was the beloved husband of 45 years to Nancy Canny Foley. He was also the father of Charles (Joyce) Foley, June (Kenneth) Foley, Bobbi-Rae (Glen Hammer) Foley, Geraldine Turpin, Donna (Richard) Voets, and Kathleen (Herminio) Nunes. In addition, James was the loving stepfather to Roberta (Alan) Bitzer, Joseph (Eunson) Borderi, Nancy (Robert) Antonucci, Lisa (John) Frione, and Paul (Ruth) Borderi. Furthermore, he enjoyed being an adoring grandfather and great-grandfather to many. James was predeceased by his parents, Arthur Foley and Mildred Dean Foley, his son, James Foley, Jr., and his son-in-law, Thomas Turpin. Jim was a graduate of Notre Dame High School, Class of 1953, where he excelled in playing football & baseball. He received full college scholarships in both of those sports, but instead chose to proudly serve our country as a US Marine from 1953-1956. Additionally, he worked as a steeplejack, including many years in his own business, J. Foley Steeplejack Services. Jim loved his Irish heritage and enjoyed cheering on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football and the UCONN Women's Basketball teams. He was a devout Catholic and a communicant of St. Barnabas Church. Jim was a man of unwavering selflessness. Hardworking and dependable, he was the kind of person who you could always count on-whether it was to lend a listening ear without judgment or to offer his steady support in any situation. He never let anyone down and lived his life as a hero, especially in the eyes of his family. He was a man of quiet strength, endless kindness, and immeasurable love. He inspired and encouraged us to believe in our personal strengths, and we will all miss him dearly. Calling hours will be on Thursday, January 16th from 10 to 11:30 AM at The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Ave. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on that same date at 12 noon at St. Barnabas Church, 44 Washington Avenue, North Haven. Internment with full military honors will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 700 Middletown Ave., North Haven. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of James, please visit our Tree Store.