James Frank “Jim” Minutola, age 86, died Monday, September 11, 2023 with his family by his side.
Jim was born in Marcus Hook, PA, and graduated from Ridley High School and Goldey-Beacom College. Jim served with the Pennsylvania and Delaware Air National Guard. He started his career with Johnson Controls, and spent the remainder of his career at Hercules, as a Transportation Specialist, retiring in 2001 after thirty plus years of service. He served as the president and board member for the Wilmington Transportation Club. He was active in the Mayfield Civic Association serving as president for many years. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Delaware Veterans Post 1.
Jim was the consummate family man, a devoted son, loyal brother, loving husband, and doting father and grandfather. Jim met the love of his life, Irma Masci, in the early ‘60s. Jim loved sports, so it was no surprise that their first date was at a softball banquet. They married in 1965 and shared 58 wonderful years of marriage together raising their daughter Lisa, who was always “a daddy’s girl.” His greatest joy was his grandson, Ryan, with whom he shared a birthday. Jim was a dedicated Philadelphia sports fan and avidly followed the Phillies. He attended many games, passing his love of the Phillies onto his nephew Frank and Ryan. In retirement, Jim loved spending time with Ryan whom he picked up from school every day. In their free time, Irma and Jim enjoyed traveling, including trips to Italy, Aruba, and across the United States and socializing with their many friends.
Jim is survived his wife Irma Minutola; daughter Lisa Minutola and her husband Mark Russo; grandson Ryan Russo; brother Sam Minutola (Anna Marie) and their son Frank; two sisters Janice Nippes (Richard) and Rosemary Ripa; brothers-in-law Lou Masci (Beth) and Art Birch; as well as many other cousins, nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held on Monday, September 18 at 10 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary, 4701 Weldin Rd., Wilmington, DE 19803. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am with entombment to follow at Cathedral Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org/donate).
