to Joseph and Millie Todaro who emigrated from Sicily by ship through Ellis Island.
As one of nine children, James grew up in a poor Brooklyn neighborhood.
He adored his older brothers, but sadly lost three of them in World War II.
His father died peacefully from a heart attack in his sleep but was still young (in his 60's)
James joined the army and served in the Korean War. After returning from the war
He moved to California to be near his older sister June, in Pasadena.
There he met Emily visiting from Colombia. After a short courtship he proposed
and they were married June 15, 1966 in Barranquilla, Colombia.
They moved from Pasadena to Rowland Heights, purchased their first home to raise a
family.
On March 11, 1969 their first born, Carmen arrived...a surprise birthday present for James. On September 9, 1971 he was blessed again when Leslie was born.
He worked most of his adult career at Creftcon Industries as a product inspector. Retired at age 62. Divorced in 1997, he moved to Riverside. He is survived by his two daughters and four grandsons.
