James L. Pezzanite Jr., lovingly known as Jim, Hoppa, and Papa, passed away on September 10, 2023, at the age of 75 in Leesburg, FL. He was born on January 22, 1948, in Washington, DC. Jim was a devoted husband to Lorraine (nee Piccirillo) Pezzanite, and a loving father to James L. Pezzanite III and his wife, Kelly, and Anthony J. Pezzanite and his wife, Rachael. He was an adoring grandfather to his angels Bella, Haylee, Avery, Juliana, and Elena. Jim was also a cherished brother to Francis Neuhauser and her husband Andrew, and brother-in-law to James E. Marchese. He was preceded in death by his sister, Rosemary Marchese.
Jim attended St. Johns College High School and later pursued higher education at Rutgers University. He proudly served in the US Navy for two years during the Vietnam War era and continued his service in the US Navy Reserves for an additional three years. Following his military service, Jim embarked on a successful career. He worked for the Internal Revenue Service for many years, eventually retiring as the Regional Director of Appeals Midwest Region. He then went on to work for Ernst & Young and Clifton Larsen Allen.
Outside of his professional life, Jim had a passion for sports and was a dedicated coach and league leader for youth sports throughout his life. He enjoyed playing softball, golfing, and fishing. He was also a devoted fan of the Washington Redskins.
Memorial services for Jim will be held on November 22, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church in Wildwood, FL. Following the mass, internment will take place at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, a charity that was near to Jim’s heart.
Jim’s presence will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace.
