May 16, 2013 2 min read

James E. Fiano, Jr., 67, of Connellsville, passed away in UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Oakland.

He was born December 21, 1945 in Connellsville, a son of the late James E. and Elsie Carlson Fiano.

Jim graduated from St. Rita Roman Catholic Grad School and was an altar boy at St. Rita Church. He then graduated from Connellsville Senior High School.

Jim served in the Navy aboard the USS Chevalier. During his tour of duty, Jim was awarded the following decorations: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960).

After returning from the Navy, Jim was employed as a bartender for American Legion Post 301 in Connellsville for 35 years. He was also active within the VFW and American Legion Posts, serving as an officer, committee person and in other responsibilities. Jim was a life-member of American Legion Post 301, VFW Post 21 and AMVETS.

He enjoyed spending time with his wife, Lois, watching TV, gardening, walking and going to flea markets with her.

Jim was proud to have served his country and served it well.

He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Lois Woods Fiano; four stepsons and a stepdaughter; a brother, Peter Fiano and wife, Christine, of Connellsville and their children, Brant Alana and Ashley Fiano; three sisters: Diane Smith, of Connellsville and her daughter, Leslie Marchewka; Vicki Basinger of Connellsville and her son, Duane Fiano and Carolyn Callahan and her sons, Kete Kliff and Kole Callahan; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother Nicholas E. Fiano.

Friends will be received from 1 to 9 p.m. Thursday in the VITO C. MARTUCCI FUNERAL HOME, 123 S. First St., West Side, Connellsville (724-628-9033). A Blessing Service will be held at 9 a.m. Friday in the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. in St. Rita Roman Catholic Church with the Rev. Robert Lubic as Celebrant. Interment will be private. Military services will be held at 8:45 a.m. Friday in the funeral home by members of American Legion Posts 301 and 762 and VFW Post 21.

To sign the online guest registry, visit our website at martucci funeralhome.com.