James J. Moriconi

James J. Moriconi, 87, of Manchester, died peacefully, Thursday April 16, 2015 at Manchester Manor with his family at his side. He was born April 14, 1928 in Manchester, son of the late Antonio & Esther-Angelina (Toni) Moriconi and had been a lifelong resident. Jim served in the United States Armed Forces both with the Navy and Army. Upon his discharge he came home to Manchester and became owner/operator of the following local restaurants with his family, "Jim's Lunch" "Charcoal Broiler" "LaStrada East & West" "Ma Ma Mia's Restaurant and Catering" and "Antonio's". After Jim retired he volunteered his cooking skills at church functions and making meals for neighbors, friends and family. He was a longstanding member of Calvary Church in South Windsor and close friend of Rev. Kenneth Gustafson for over 52 years. He joined mission trips to Mexico and Israel and worked with "Christ is the Answer" in Italy. He also enjoyed leisure traveling, especially to Europe and visiting his family's home town of Magliano Sabina, Italy. He liked listening to Talk Radio and was an avid sports fan of the New York Yankees, Pittsburg Steelers and UConn Basketball. Mr. Moriconi is survived by four children, James J. Moriconi and his wife Mary of Manchester and Florida, Ronald Moriconi and his wife Norma of Manchester, Cheryl L. (Moriconi) Gustafson and her husband Glenn of Union, Laura L. (Moriconi) Essick and her husband Steven of Manchester. Other survivors include his 101 years old sister-in-law Florence Moriconi of Manchester, nine grandchildren, Amy (Gustafson) Leonard and her husband Mike of Willington, Carly (Gustafson) Meservey and her husband Andrew of El Paso, TX., Erika Gustafson of Salt Lake City, UT., Lisa (Moriconi) Burg and her husband Willie of Vernon, Daniella (Moriconi) Maury and her husband Hector of Manchester, Ronald Moriconi also of Manchester, Joshua, Caleb and Anna Essick all of Manchester, eight great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends. He was the youngest of eight children. His family would like to extend a special thanks and their gratitude to all of those who were involved with his healthcare over the years. Calling hours will be held Saturday April 25, 2015 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Watkins Funeral Home, 142 East Center St., Manchester followed by the funeral service at 12:00 PM. Burial will be private in the East Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, 120 Wall St. 19th Floor, New York, NY., 10005 or to the American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St., I-91 Tech. Center. Rocky Hill, CT. 06067-3045. To sign the online register book go to www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com .

Visitation DetailsSaturday, April 25th, 2015 10:00am - 12:00pm, Watkins Funeral Home
Service DetailsSaturday, April 25th, 2015 12:00pm, Watkins Funeral Home
Interment DetailsEast Cemetery