Obituary of James J. Magnarelli

James J. Magnarelli 93, of Florida and more recently of Burlington passed away at home on August 21, 2024. He was the loving husband of Nancy (Parker) Magnarelli with whom he shared 69 years of marriage.

James was born in Newton, one of six children of the late Joseph and Grace Mary (Morello) Magnarelli.

He was educated in the Newton school system and graduated from Newton High School before enlisting in the Air Force during the Korean War. He served primarily as a military police officer in England and was honorably discharged prior to meeting the love of his life, Nancy.

For many years, Jim was employed as a supervisor in a plastics factory that manufactured little, tiny spoon coffee stirrers for McDonalds in the late 60’s, early 70’s. Jim designed, created the molds, and calculated the exact weight of the plastic to be used per spoon. McDonald’s loved them so much that they wanted them to be an exclusive item for their rapidly growing franchise. Sadly, the spoons were “retired”, and the little black straws and the little wooden stir sticks replaced the once famous spoons.

Jim was a truly funny man. He found great joy in making other people laugh and was always able to make you smile. He was very popular amongst his neighbors in Florida, and, on his daily walks, would always check up on all his elderly and widowed neighbors, making sure everyone was doing well. If Jim Magnarelli loved you, he made sure you knew it a truly caring man, he always thought of everyone’s needs before his own. He took great pride in his community and his family. His children grew up knowing they were loved and had so much fun together. He taught them to love each other and how to lead by example. His most cherished titles were grandfather, and great grandfather; he truly beamed when talking about his grandchildren and their accomplishments with his neighbors and friends.

Jim was sadly predeceased by his siblings, Rita Farrell, Gloria Coakley and Ellen Johnson.

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by his six children, Diane Hansell and her husband Rich of North Hampton, NH, Tom Magnarelli and his wife Eileen of Wilmington, MA, Jim Magnarelli and his husband Bruce Morrow of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Gail Orciuch and her husband Dave of Hubbardston, MA, Joe Magnarelli and his wife Robyn of Burlington, MA, and Matthew Magnarelli and his wife Jacqui of Burlington, MA, a brother, Frank Magnarelli of Florida, a sister, Ann Madden of Florida, seven grandchildren, Elizabeth, James, Krista, Courtney, Michael, Nicholas, and Anthony Magnarelli, a great grandson, Finn, as well as several nieces, nephews, and many friends.

At his request, funeral services will be private and at the convenience of his family. Contributions in his memory may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, at msfocus.org/Donate. To view his memorial slideshow or to leave a condolence to his family, please visit www.sullivanfuneralhome.net