Final Salute

James “Jimmy” M. Piccotti, 77, of Scranton, passed away on Oct. 19 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Born on July 13, 1946 to the late James and Florence Arduino Piccotti, James lived his rambunctious and curious young life on Genet Street in Scranton surrounded by friends and family, including his beloved sister, Celia Piccotti Laurynas. His home was across the street from St. Francis Church, where he served as an altar boy for most of his young life.
As a kid, he was active in the Boy Scouts of America, eventually achieving the esteemed rank of Eagle Scout. He was also a dedicated member of the brotherhood of the Order of the Arrow, which is the honor society for the Boy Scouts. As he grew older, James continued to contribute to the scouting community by serving as an instructor at Goose Pond and Camp Edward boy scout camps.
After he graduated from Scranton Technical High School in 1965, he began working alongside his father as a union cement finisher for Local 100. It was during this time that he heard the call of duty and joined the Navy Seabees. James completed two tours of duty in Vietnam, serving in Da Nang and Dong Ha. His military service was a source of immense pride. His deep appreciation for the sacrifices of all veterans prompted him to join the VFW in Jessup.
In 1974, he married his wife, Joe Ann DeSandis. In 1983, he had a hand in creating his “greatest accomplishment:” his daughter Lindsay.
James was an extrovert who would chat up everyone he met. His warm and friendly demeanor attracted people to him, enabling him to make many friends over the course of his life. Whether he met them as a child, during his military service, working in various careers or later in life in his walking group, he treasured every single one.
James had a soft spot for people with physical and intellectual disabilities and volunteered every year at Tobyhanna Army Depot’s Operation Santa while he was still employed there. His hobbies included gardening, computers and tinkering around the house. He prided himself in being able to fix anything with nothing more than a tin can and some duct tape.
Jimmy was a strong fighter who gallantly battled cancer for 12 years. Even after his right arm had to be amputated because of sarcoma, he carried himself with dignity and strength. While he is terribly missed, his family takes comfort in knowing he is now free from pain and living in peace with those who have gone before him. He’s likely enjoying homemade Italian meals topped off with desserts of vanilla ice cream.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Celia Laurynas; and niece, Ceil Ann Stevens. He is survived by his wife, Joe Ann; daughter, Lindsay LaRoque; son-in-law, Timothy; beloved granddaughter, Bailey; grandpup, Penny; niece, Marie Elena Neyman; sister-in-law, Karen DeSandis; one grandniece; two grandnephews; and many cousins.
The funeral will be Wednesday at 9 a.m. from the August J. Haas Funeral Home Inc., 202 Pittston Ave., with Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in St. Peter’s Cathedral to be celebrated by Rev. Jeffrey Tudgay, pastor. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you perform an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone in need in Jimmy’s name. To leave an online condolence, visit www.augusthaasfuneralhome.com.
Published by Scranton Times on Oct. 21, 2023.