MANSFIELD: James Patsy Nicita, 91, went to meet his Lord and Savior, on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2015.
James was born in Canton, on Easter Sunday, April 20, 1924 to Rocco Joseph Nicita and Lucille Carpinelli Williamson. He lived most of his life in Ohio and spent 20 retirement years in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was a retired golf course superintendent employed at various Ohio golf courses, and a member of the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America for 44 years.
James was a member of the greatest generation living through the great depression. He also served in the United States Marine Corps in the Pacific campaigns during World War II. For 32 months he participated in action on the Marshall Islands, Marianas Islands, Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, and Ryukyu Islands. James was a member of the American Legion.
He spent his life in the great outdoors hunting with his father and fishing the Ohio creeks and rivers. An avid golfer since age 12, Jimmy caddied at Westbrook Country Club and continued playing golf until the age of 90. An active and fit individual, James enjoyed ice skating, water skiing, and swing, square, and western round dancing. He traveled frequently with his daughter’s family and mentored his grandson Nicholas in many activities. He will be missed dearly.
James is survived by his daughters Kathleen (Dr. Guy) Capaldo of Mansfield, Pamela (Douglas) McDonald of Carterville, Illinois, and son Joseph (Pamela) Nicita of Phoenix, Arizona; sisters Rosemary Tamburrino, Concetta Thrush, and Evangeline (Jim) Jacobs; five grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and his long time best friend and golf partner Tom Hauswald of Scottsdale, Arizona; as well as many loving friends who remain in Arizona.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Nancy Ann Seale.
His family will receive friends Sunday, November 29, 2015 from 2-5 p.m. in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be offered Monday, November 30, 2015 at 11 a.m. in Resurrection Parish, 2600 Lexington Avenue, Lexington, Ohio 44904. The Very Rev. Father Nelson Beaver will officiate. Military honors will be performed by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail at the church, immediately following funeral services. Interment will be in Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Foundation may be made through the funeral home.
Online condolences to his family may be made by visiting: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
