James Bartolotta of Venice, FL (formerly of Oxford, CT), beloved husband of Louise (Kapusta) Bartolotta, passed away peacefully June 16th, 2021. Born in Ansonia, CT on April 20,1936, he was the son of the late James and Dorothy Bartolotta. A graduate of Pine High School, he worked most of his life for the Farrel Corporation as a largely self taught machinist, operating large lathes and two wheel grinders. At Farrel’s he was also a Steelworkers union rep. He met his wife Louise by frequenting Vonetti’s where she worked behind the counter. He was proof you could take the boy out of the valley, but not the valley out of the boy.After marriage they made their life in Oxford, CT as he wanted his family to have a better life than he had. He built their house on Hogs Back Rd and spent years growing more tomatoes than his family wanted to eat. He was a volunteer fireman with the Quaker Farms Fire Department and past member of The Ansonia BPOE Elks Lodge..He loved the outdoors and had an uncanny ability to successfully fish and hunt that he developed along the river in Ansonia. He was also especially good at horseshoes, billiards and cards, and never lost his touch. After retiring from Farrel Corp in 1997, he moved with his wife to Venice, FL, to leave the winter behind and try their hands at golf. Turned out he was a better wing shooter than golfer, but perseverance played off and he loved playing with his new golfing friends. In Florida he also worked at Van Pelt MachineryIn addition to his wife of 64 years, he is survived by his three sons James Bartolotta (Debbie) of Orlando, FL, Stephen Bartolotta (Susie) of Meadow Vista, CA and Andrew Bartolotta (Dan) of Weston, CT. He also leaves his adored grandchildren Rachel, Michelle, Cherise, Sebastian, Nora, and Wyatt, great grandchildren, Vanesa, Joseph, Carlee, and Leah, several nieces and nephews, a brother Richard Bartolotta (Mike), a sister Carol Tonucci (Richard). He was predeceased by his sister Geraldine Salzano.Friends are invited to his graveside service on Monday, August 9th at 11:00 AM at St. Michael Cemetery, 28 Silver Hill Rd., Ansonia.Donations in his memory can be made to the Quaker Farms Fire House, Oxford, CT.The Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home, 253 Elizabeth St., are entrusted with the local arrangements. Friends may leave condolences at www.adzimafh.com.
