James Nicola Totera
New Brighton
James Nicola Totera, 94, of New Brighton, passed away on Thursday, September 7, 2017. Born March 16, 1923, in New Brighton, he was the son of the late Nicola and Caroline (Nudi) Totera.
James worked as a welder at Ambridge Bridge Co. in the Navy Yards. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II, serving as a Gunner's Mate 2/c in the Atlantic Campaign. While in the service, he was the boxing champion of the N.T.S. Great Lakes 12th Regimental Boxing Champs, CO. 551. After the war, he was employed by Babcock and Wilcox Tubular Products Co. as an electrical furnace operator. He retired after 35 years of service.
A favorite pastime of James was home remodeling, woodworking, and building toys and play sets for his children. He enjoyed family weekend outings, playing sports, and outdoor activities. He was the head junior varsity coach as well as the head backfield varsity coach for the St. Joseph Catholic School youth football league. He looked forward to singing at Point Park every July 4th. He entertained his family with his singing of Italian songs, dancing, and artistic creations. Making rosaries for the missions with his loving wife, Cecilia was a fulfilling endeavor. As a member of SS Cyril and Methodius Church, he established and was president of the Holy Name Society and sang in the church choir. He was also a tenor in the choir at St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Surviving are his wife, Cecilia of 72 years; three daughters, Mary (Thomas) Procovich, Rochester Twp.; Anne Marie (Gregory -deceased) Braunger, Washington; and Rose Watson, Missouri; one son, James Joseph Totera, New Brighton; six grandchildren, Michael Procovich, Lynette (Scott) Myers, Amy (Mark) Frank, Monica (Zachary) Hudson, Ben (Melanie) Watson, and Will (Angela) Watson; and seven great-grandchildren, Taylor Procovich, Logan Frank, Penelopy and Thomas Myers, Miles and Ollie Watson, and Avonlea Hudson.
Family and friends will be received Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the J&J SPRATT FUNERAL HOME, 1612 Third Ave., New Brighton, www.jjsprattfh.com, where prayers will be held on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. followed by Mass at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Parish with the Reverend Robert J. Miller officiating.
Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, New Brighton.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the devoted caregivers. Their dedication and loving effort to provide quality care was a heartwarming blessing to the entire family.
We thank God for the gift of his life and the blessing of the time we spent with him.
Members of the Beaver County Special Unit will meet in the cemetery at 10:30 a.m. to provide full military honors.
 

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