Vincent J. 'Jimmy' Mameli 88 of Niagara Falls, NY passed away on Thursday January 8, 2009 in Mt. St. Mary's Hospital Lewiston, NY. Born in Albion, NY, he was the son of the late John and Phyllis (Alessi) Mameli.

Jimmy came to the Niagara Falls area as a child with his family and attended local schools. He served in the United States Army during World War II from August 21, 1942 until January 30, 1946, and United States Army Air Force until his honorable discharge on August 1, 1947. He was a certified drill instructor and awarded the World War II Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Following the service, Jimmy was employed as a foreman at Bell Aircraft and the New York State Power Project. For over thirty years he worked as large appliance salesman for Sear and Roebuck in Niagara Falls until his retirement. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed participating each year in the annual Anchovy Invitational Golf Tournament.

Mr. Mameli is survived by his wife of forty nine years Sarah (Mittiga) Mameli, three sons; John (Karen) Mameli of Naples. FL, Vincent Mameli of Niagara Falls, NY and Anthony(Christine of the Town of Niagara) Mameli of Bonita Springs, FL, four grandchildren; Neysa Mameli, Angela Mameli, Patrick Mameli and Anthony Mameli, one sister Josephine (late Tony) Gravanti of Niagara Falls, NY and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephew and cousins. He was the son-in-law of Anna Mittiga of Niagara Falls, NY, brother-in-law of Rose (late Patrick) DiCamillo, Jack DiLaura and William Cheers all of Niagara Falls, NY. He was also predeceased by his former wife Lily Cheers, one sister Mary Vaccarella, and six brothers; Peter (late Nettie) Vaccarella, Sam (late Ella) Vaccarella, Russell (late Josephine) Vaccarella, Samuel (late Pat) Mameli, John Mameli, Joseph Mameli.

Friends may call on Sunday from 3-8 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI AND SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL 2730 MILITARY ROAD NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will begin on Monday January 12th at 11:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 Noon at Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Stewart Lindsay O.S.F.S. officiating. Entombment will be held in St. Joseph's Cemetery Niagara Falls, NY with Military Honors. If desired memorial offerings may be made to the American Cancer Society 101 John J. Audubon Parkway Amherst, NY 14228 or National Kidney Foundation 300 Delaware Avenue Ste. 101 Buffalo, NY 14202.