Angelo James 1932-2024

Angelo was born in his first home in Niles to parents Harry Sr. and Helen Leos James. His parents were born in Greece, immigrating to the United States as a young, newly married couple. Like many immigrants, Harry Sr.’s Greek last name, which was Lakovos, was converted in English to James.

Angelo was a member of St. Demetrios Orthodox Church of Warren.

Angelo was an ambitious man who worked hard. He worked multiple jobs at one time when he was young and on into his adult and married life. He attended Niles McKinley Schools, but soon realized he was needed to work to help support his very large family. Angelo came from a family of 10 children. He was the oldest boy and was eager and proud to do this.

Angelo was a middleweight boxer and won Golden Gloves many times until his future wife said it was time to hang the gloves up.

Angelo worked as a broker for many years at Loblaw’s trucking terminal. He managed truck traffic at the docks and crews to unload goods going to their grocery stores. During this time, Angelo opened a small diner, “Angelo’s Restaurant,” in 1967. It was located adjacent to the Pyatt Street “Fresh Air” Market. His family and employees ran the business with his guidance and oversight. He loved serving food to the hardworking class of the people in Youngstown. Angelo was first to begin a snow plowing business and secured commercial contracts such as Youngstown City Schools and others throughout Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

A busy Angelo made time to enjoy and do the many things he loved. He was an avid sportsman and traveled throughout the country with his buddies for wild boar, turkey and deer hunting. And then there was the fishing. Deep sea and local lake fishing he enjoyed the most. Angelo was a professional bowler and traveled the circuit for many years. Angelo’s Restaurant sponsored six bowling teams and Angelo bowled in each one six days a week! He and his family enjoyed his fishing boat and RV. Camping up at Wildwood Acres every weekend with his wife and children was his fun and resting time.

Angelo married his wife, Donna Webb James, in May 1955.

He leaves their four daughters, Denise (David) Bopp of South Carolina, Joni (George) Summers of Hubbard, Tamy McBride of Cave Creek, Arizona, and Michele Roman of Boardman; grandchildren, Tony (Melanie) Ambrose of Canfield, Nick Riley of Cave Creek, Ross (Krystina) McBride of Cave Creek, Christie Summers of Hubbard and Robbie Roman of Boardman; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Miaya, Anthony and Logan Ambrose of Canfield, Donavon Summers of Hubbard, Jaxon Riley of Cave Creek and Robbie Roman Jr. of Boardman. He also leaves one sister, Milly Hutton of Gulfport, Mississippi, and many nieces and nephews.

Angelo leaves his most beloved lady and companion of decades, Dolores Baran. Angelo and Dolores spent their lives together since the late ’70s, traveling and enjoying family and friends. They loved to go dancing, bowling and trying their pulls at the casinos. They cooked up feasts for all types of gatherings. Together they were big sports fans — especially football. They enjoyed and loved to be around people.

Angelo leaves Dolores’ children and their spouses, Diane Jones, Chuck Baran, Cheryl Felger, Mary Lou Allison and her late son, Eddie Baran. He loved each of them. They were an integral part of his life, as were her sisters, brothers, cousins, and all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He embraced and loved her huge family. They were fun and kept them both very active.

Angelo was preceded in death by his former wife and mother of his children, Donna; their only son, Michael Angelo; parents, Harry Sr. and Helen; and sisters and brothers, Mary, JoAnn, Helen, Audrey, Ann, Pauline, Chris and Harry Jr.

Calling hours and services will be 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, 4303 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown, OH 44515.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to donate in Angelo’s memory, please help our local animal rescue: Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County, P.O. Box 66, Vienna, OH 44470, awlrescueme.com.

(special notice)