Obituary of James E. McNaney

                         Obituary for James Edward McNaney

                   Sunrise -October 5, 1935 – Sunset May 14, 2021

James E. McNaney of Palm Bay, FL. went to his heavenly home on May 14, 2021 after a short illness.  Known to all as Jim, he was surrounded by family and friends at his passing.

Jim was born in Ware, Massachusetts on October 5, 1935 to Francis and Lena (Houle) McNaney.  He graduated from Ware High School and continued his education with some college courses, practical knowledge and an innate extraordinary intellect. He was always ready to solve any puzzle or problem that was before him.  Professionally he primarily worked in manufacturing at the Brookfield Athletic Shoe Company and Flexcon Products in Spencer MA. while learning skills in refrigeration, plumbing and even cooking throughout his life time. Jim also owned and operated an automotive service with his late father-in- law in Barre MA.

Jim is remembered for his caring peaceful spirit, his quick wit and his incredible math skills that left us all in awe. In addition, Jim was a fierce Scrabble player. He never let his children or grandchildren win for the sake of winning. He believed that it would strengthen their character and gamesmanship.

He had the ability to fix and invent any and everything that was needed on the spur of the moment. Known as Grampy Jim to his grands and great grands, “If Grampy Jim couldn’t fix it then no one could fix it.” Jim’s ingenuity and his gift to do or repair anything is clearly evident in all of our family’s homes and cars across the country.

He was well read and was rarely seen without a book or a Kindle in his hand. He served in the Army National Guard of Massachusetts for 6 years.  He was a VITAS Healthcare volunteer, member of NAACP  and was always willing to serve and support what was right and just.

Jim married his first wife, the late Gilda L. Duval in 1956. They had and raised three awesome children. Jill, Jimmy and the late Jeffrey McNaney.  They were blessed by five incredible grandchildren; Andrew, Chelsea, James, Shawn and Jeffrey.  

Jim married his wife, Rosalie Norman- McNaney on September 22, 1989 during Hurricane Hugo after they realized their love for each other when they were brought together for jury duty in Worcester MA in November 1987. Jim and Rosalie created a beautiful blended family with Rosalie‘s three awesome children Christopher, Sabrina and Nicholas.

Jim supported Rosalie spiritually and emotionally after her ‘Call’ to Ministry in 1991 and always reaffirmed that his prayers were answered when “he prayed for God to bring a woman into his life with whom he could deepened his relationship with Jesus Christ”, which he did. He even learned to make West Indian sweet bread and meat patties.

Jim was a true partner in ministry at the churches and national ministries where Rosalie served and is fondly remembered throughout the American Baptists- USA congregations and denomination.

Jim is remembered as a man of integrity. He always spoke his mind with love and didn’t have any malice towards anyone. Jim loved travel and exploring the world with Rosalie for the past 34 years. His favorite memory was celebrating his Irish heritage with a trip on his 70th birthday and kissing the Blarney stone. Jim & Rosalie enjoyed dancing through Life together. Family was primary and when Jim gave his word; it was solid.  Thank you, Jim, for journeying with us through life.  Rest In peace. We Love You.

Jim is predeceased by his parents, siblings, Harold, Constance and Thomas McNaney. The far too early passing of his beloved son Jeffrey was deeply felt by Jim and family. Jeffrey was always on Jim’s mind and in his heart. Jim is survived by his sister Joyce Getchell of Ware MA. and his wide family circle. 

Jim was and is very proud of his family:

 Children: Jill and Anthony Shank, Jim and Susi McNaney, Dr. Christopher Cooper and; Sabrina Kasdaglis; Dr. Nicholas Kasdaglis and Leslie Kasdaglis.

Grandchildren and their spouses: Andrew and Amanda Emerson; Chelsea and Seth Bishop;  James, Jeffrey and Shawn McNaney; Caden Cooper; Caleb and Hannah Kasdaglis; Bethany and Grant Straiton; Abagail and Dylan Heidrich;  Matthew and Gabriella Kasdaglis.

Great Grandchildren: Landyn, Liam, Kristina, Braedyn, Ivan, Declan  Amari, Elijah and Levi.

Extended Family: Bruce Emerson, Fredda Bauer, Scott & Edward McDonald, Eleanora Ceron Galeano, Dr. Roy and Marcia Norman; Rufus Norman, Carol Hall; Jeannette Brown; Dr. Ruth Ekong; Regina Joy Norman; Nira Todman; Juanita Norman and numerous beloved nieces and nephews, and friends who Jim loves as family.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The American Lung Association for research towards Pulmonary Fibrosis.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 30, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at Faith Viera Lutheran Church 5550 Faith Drive, Rockledge, Florida. Service can be viewed at www.YouTube.com/faithviera at 2:00 pm.

Mask and social distancing will be practiced in the Sanctuary 

Internment Ceremony and Repast will follow outdoors.