James V. Vaccarella, 96, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 7, 2021 in his Town of Niagara residence. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Francisco and Concetta (Falcione) Vaccarella, both formerly of Italy.

He is survived by-  His brother Frank late Loretta) Vaccarella; his son James (Martine) Vaccarella, grandsons Taj (Hollie) & Brahm (Irina) Vaccarella; Daughter Marian (Roger Kyler) Gigliotti Vaccarella, Granddaughter Gina Gigliotti  great grandchildren Joseph and Marissa; Granddaughter Lisa (Jerry) Mahl, great grandchildren Trey, Maya, Tyler; Grandson Tony (Dina) Gigliotti, great grandsons Anthony, Angelo; late son Robert Vaccarella Grandsons Phillip (Carrie) great grand children Stella, Leo, Miles, Hazel; Grandson Luke Vaccarella, great grand children Frankie, Carlita; and many nieces and nephews in USA and Italy..

Jim was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls where he attended local schools and graduated from high school. On March 24, 1944, he enlisted into the United States Army and proudly served in the 305th Medical Battalion during World War II. His time in the war was highlighted by his courageous efforts to retrieve injured soldiers from several battlefields throughout Europe including a three-day operation during the Battle of the Bulge in February of 1945. Upon his discharge on January 10, 1946, he was awarded the Purple Heart, The Bronze Star and Oak Leaf Cluster, a Battle star from each of the three places he served, and the WWII Victory Medal for his dedicated service. At the age of 89, Mr. Vaccarella was recognized by the French Government, presenting him with the Chevalier of the Legion of Honor during a ceremony at West Point Academy.

Following his discharge, Jim returned to Niagara Falls and married the love of his life, Margaret J. (Porto) Vaccarella on May 10, 1947. Margaret predeceased him in 2008, after 61 memorable years together.

Jim began working as a Masonry Contractor for the Bricklayers Local 2 Union in 1948, where he also served as the union's business agent. For over 50 years, he owned and operated Vaccarella Building Co. and was appointed as a councilman for the Town of Niagara in 1972. They were also distributors for Shaklee Vitamins here in the City.

Jim was a gifted athlete who excelled in baseball, basketball and semi-pro football. He was a table tennis champion during the Army and competed as a track runner in the pre-Olympics held in Germany during the 1940s. He also enjoyed playing bocce and was an avid golfer with 2 holes in one, playing his age up until 2 months ago. In his free time he enjoyed watching sports, especially the Buffalo Bills, but above all, he loved spending time with his beloved family.

"Mommy don't cry, Papa's a hero. He had to go, he had to make room for other heros"  -Joseph Chmaj (great grandson 10 years old)

Visitation will be on Thursday, January 14 from 3 - 7 P.M. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY, where funeral services with Military Honors will follow at 7 P.M. Interment will be held privately for Mr. Vaccarella's family in Arlington National Cemetery. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.