James 'Jim' Polito

Rotterdam - James (Vincenzo) Polito, age 85, of Rotterdam, NY, entered peacefully into eternal rest on January 21, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. James ‘Jim’ Polito was born on April 25, 1936, to the late Salvatore and Benedetta (Arpino) Polito. Jim was a graduate of Mont Pleasant High School (Class of 1954). He served in the U.S. Marine Corps. being honorably discharged as a Korean War Veteran. After his period of service, he was accepted into the GE Apprentice Program. He attended Siena College and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Jim retired after 37 years of employment with General Electric (GE) where he held many managerial positions over the course of his career, including Manager of Shop Operations in the Large Steam Turbine Generator (LSTG) Department. He enjoyed travel, gardening, sports, golf, and bowling. His greatest passion in life was his wife and family. Jim is survived by his cherished wife of almost 65 years, Jeanette (Mastroianni) Polito and their five children: Michele (Robert) Fretto, Cheryl (Randy Pardi) Polito, James (Lori) Polito, Daniel (Patricia Anez) Polito, and Denise (John) Tidings. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren: Robert (Virginia) Fretto, Stacy Hill, Dinelle (Kevin) Eaton, Paul-James Hill, Ciara (David) Moore, Courtney (Kevin) McGeary, Alex Cross, and Aidan Tidings, as well as nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Besides his late parents, he was predeceased by his son-in-law, Robert Fretto; his sister, Carmela (James) Costanzo; and his brother, Salvatore (Angie) Polito. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, January 27, from 9-10:45 am at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Avenue, Rotterdam. Masks are required while in attendance. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 am at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 210 Princetown Road, Rotterdam. Jim will be laid to rest, with military honors, at St. Cyril’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s name may be made to Boys Town (www.boystown.org), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) or Our Lady Queen of Peace Church.