James R. "Jimmy" Brozzetti

James "Jimmy" Brozzetti, 76, passed away on Thursday, April 21, after a yearlong battle with cancer. He is survived by his companion of more than 20 years, Mary Rose Giacometti.

Born Feb. 9, 1946, in Dunmore, he was the only son of the late Angelo and Lucy Pace Brozzetti. He was a 1964 graduate of Dunmore High School, where he ran track and played baseball, earning him the nickname "Speedy Tomatoes." After high school, he enrolled in the United States Army, later serving in Korea. He attended Lackawanna Junior College and Johnson College, earning an associate degree.

Known as "Mr. Yankee" to most, Jimmy was, arguably, the world's biggest Yankee fan. Jimmy attended more than 900 consecutive home games across the 1980s and 1990s, growing close friendships with Yankee legends Roy White, Phil Rizzuto and others. His dedication earned him a 1996 World Series ring, given to him personally by George Steinbrenner.

He was the proud business owner of Jim's Amusements and Vending for more than 40 years, and employed by Lackawanna County as the community outreach coordinator, working at the RailRiders stadium at PNC Field. As part of this work, the Lackawanna County commissioners presented him a proclamation for his commitment to helping children and area youth organizations, as well as his work as the driving force in the Legends Game at PNC Field, the KRW Foundation's "Party with the Pros," and the development of Strawberry Field in Peckville.

Also surviving are a daughter, Dina (Michael) Manci, Glenburn; a granddaughter, Lucy Manci, Glenburn; cousins; and many friends who were like family to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Angelo and Lucy Brozzetti; and a son, James Angelo Brozzetti.

The family would like to thank Hospice of the Sacred Heart for their support these past few months.

A service will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home Inc., 318 E. Drinker St., Dunmore. Inurnment, Italian-American Cemetery, South Scranton.

Friends may call on Wednesday morning at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the James Brozzetti Memorial Scholarship Foundation at 102 E. Drinker St., Dunmore, PA 18512; or Peckville Assembly of God, 3364 Scranton Carbondale Highway, Blakely, PA 18447.

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