Obituary of JAMES A. SABIA

James A. Sabia, Sr. 90, of Stamford passed away on October 1st after a brief illness. Born in Stamford on May 31, 1925 to William and Antoinette DeVito Sabia, he was the oldest of seven children in a close knit Italian-American family. He was raised on the West Side where his late parents were part-owners of the family restaurant, Sabia’s Open Door, a popular Italian eatery. Jim graduated from Stamford High School in 1943 and then served in the Navy during World War II. Upon returning to Stamford, he went to college on the GI bill and married in 1947. He began his teaching career at J.M. Wright Technical School. He was then employed by Stamford Public Schools as a librarian at Rippowam High School and later at Westhill High School. During his tenure with Stamford Public Schools, Jim worked part-time at the Ferguson Library. Following his retirement, he worked another ten years as a full-time employee of the library. Throughout his life he was an active member of Sacred Heart Church, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, a member of the Holy Name Society and secretary of the church board. He and his wife raised their family in the Hubbard Heights section of Stamford near by Scalzi Park. He often walked down to the park to watch his sons play baseball or escaped to Hubbard Heights Golf Course for a round of golf. He continued playing the game he loved until earlier this year. Always sports-minded, he was an avid fan of Giants football, Yankee baseball, and both the UCONN men’s and women’s basketball teams. He especially enjoyed family gatherings, with his wife playing the piano and everyone singing along. Frank Sinatra tunes were always his favorite. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Louise Gatti Sabia, along with his five children, Annette Sabia of Winsted, CT, James Sabia, Jr. and wife Michele of Stamford, Joseph Sabia of Boca Raton, FL, Fred Sabia and wife Michelle of Winchester, VA and David Sabia and wife Dina of Newtown, CT. He was blessed with ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He also leaves three sisters, Angie Maple, Barbara Rioux, and Clara Coviello, all of Stamford, two brothers, William Sabia, Jr. and wife Carole of Old Saybrook, CT and Joseph Sabia of Milford, CT along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Rose Previte. This loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather and loyal friend will be dearly missed. Calling hours will be held at the Lacerenza Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford on Sunday, October 4, 2015 from 2:00 - 5:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 5, 2015 at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Church, 37 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford, CT. Interment will follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery, Rockrimmon Road, Stamford, CT. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Caring Hospice Services 45 Church Street, Stamford CT 06906 or to Sacred Heart Church 37 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902.