James V. Teoli, 86, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away on December 15, 2021 at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center.  Born in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Amerigo and Mildred (DiGiaciamo) Teoli.

At the age of 18, James joined the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, where he became a Fire Truck Operator with his close friends who all joined together.  On September 1, 1956, he married Jacqulyn 'Jackie' A. (Dalesandro) at St. Joseph's Church, and they enjoyed 65 years of loving, caring, and happiness for one another. In 1961, he was activated to active duty in the United States Air Force during the Berlin Crisis, where he served until his honorable discharge in 1962.  James was employed as a Truck Driver and later was promoted to Foreman with the City of Niagara Falls, where he worked for 38 years until his retirement in 1991.  He later drove trucks for various local companies, including Larry Quigliano Trucking.

James liked playing cards with his friends, meeting them for morning coffee, as well as going to the casino.  He enjoyed traveling with his wife on many cruises and trips to Las Vegas and Florida.  He was very proud of his Willow Avenue roots and the happy memories he shared with so many friends.  He took great pride in taking care of his grass, making everyone sit on the sidewalk as not to ruin the grass, reminding everyone with his famous words "Stay off the grass!".  James was very active watching his grandchildren's sporting events, and was very proud to do so.  He was always found right behind home plate watching his grandson's baseball games.  His pride also extended to his children and great-grandchildren.  After his great-grandchildren were born, he told his wife, "We made it, Hon!".

Mrs. Teoli would like to thank the Staff of Niagara Falls Memorial Hospital ICU and S3, M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, her rock, Kim, Chris, Patrick and Tom, and everyone who is grieving during this difficult time.

In addition to his wife of 65 years, James is survived by his daughter, Cheryl M. (Joseph) Zito; his grandchildren, Nikki Ann (Michael) Hattersley, Erik (Joanna) Zito, Dominick Teoli, and Gabrielle Teoli; his great-grandchildren, Alex Hattersley and Audrey Hattersley, as well as many nieces, nephews and many close friends that he grew up with.  He was predeceased by his son Mark A. (Kim) Teoli, and his brother, Fred (Betty) Teoli.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 21 from 4 – 7 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304.  James' Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday at 12 Noon at Holy Family Parish at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14301.  Interment with Military Honors at Riverdale Cemetery, Lewiston, NY.  If desired, memorial offerings can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.  Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.