James A. Milella Jr., 93, lifelong resident of Seneca Falls, passed away, surrounded by his family, at his home on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 21st at 11 AM at St. Patrick's Church, 97 West Bayard St., Seneca Falls. Burial will follow in St. Columbkille Cemetery. Donations in memory may be made to St. Patrick's Church (Parish office), 25 Center St., Waterloo, NY 13165.
James was born in Seneca Falls, the son of the late James and Florence (Uticone) Millela Sr. on December 5th, 1930. He graduated from Mynderse Academy, Class of 1948. After high school he worked for The Seneca Falls Reveille for a couple years before joining the US Navy in 1950. He served proudly during the Korean War, where he was mainly stationed aboard the USS Oriskany. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Seneca Falls in 1954. In 1957 he was united in marriage with Catherine Podgorny, a union of over 67 years. James had worked for Westcott Rule in Seneca Falls for over 30 years.
In his spare time, James enjoyed being outdoors. He loved to hunt and fish, work on cars, and also enjoyed rebuilding old TV's. He was a longtime member of Kirk Casey American Legion Post 366 as well as a member at St. Patrick's Church.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Catherine; children, Pam (Rick) McCulloch, James (Margaret) and Steve (Gina) Milella; six grandchildren, Robin (Nick) Ripple, Rick (Alex) McCulloch, Michelle (Josh) Wunder, James (Larissa) Milella, Samantha (Thomas) Radwick, Kaitlin Milella; nine great-grandchildren; Avery, Teagan, and Cooper Ripple, Charlie and Mabel McCulloch, Carter and Carlie Wunder, Hannah and Levi Radwick; several nephews and extended family, as well as his loving dog, Molly. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Robin and sister, Barbara Carissimi.
James' family would like to extend a special thank you to his caregivers for their exceptional care.
