James Molinaro Sr.

James J. Molinaro was born to Jenny Tiso Molinaro and Vincenzo Molinaro on March 18, 1935 in Fordham Hospital, Bronx, New York. He grew up in the Morris Park Section of the Bronx. As a young boy, he enjoyed playing stick ball and baseball and spending summers with aunts, uncles and cousins in Peekskill, New York. He graduated from P.S. 83 and Christopher Columbus high school. He attended City College of New York. James enlisted in the United States Army Reserves, served, and was honorably discharged.

James is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Gloria Cafaro Molinaro, his sister Gloria Jean Molinaro, his loving children and their spouses, Sabrina Davis, Debra Molinaro, Tammie Fiske (Eric Fiske), James Molinaro JR (Connie Mancuso Molinaro) and cherished grandchildren Catherine Fiske, Ethan Fiske, Vincenzo Davis and great-grandchild Elias Davis.

James started his 60+ year career in real estate, appraisals, and construction, working as a salesman for Silhouette Reality in the Bronx, New York and at Montavani Real Estate. He also sold mutual funds and insurance for First Investors Corporation in New York City in early 1960’s.

In 1966, the family moved to Airmont, NY (a hamlet formally known as Tallman) within the Town of Ramapo, Rockland County. He worked in real estate sales for Rockland Realty for years and eventually formed his own real estate brokerage as the owner and sole proprietor of Excel Realty. Over the years there were some name changes: Century 21 Excel, Century 21 Molinaro, and Molinaro Associates Realtors and Appraisers. James appraised real estate as Molinaro Associates and built spec homes with minor subdivisions as Jimglo Construction Corporation. He was a New York State Licensed Real Estate Broker and licensed insurance Broker. James assisted many thousands of families procure housing over the years through brokerage, appraising, and new home construction. He had a stellar work ethic and shared that with Gloria, Debbie, Tammie, James Jr and Connie, who all worked in the family business at one time or another.

He was the Rockland County Director of real property as well as past president of the Rockland County Board of Realtors, Multiple Listing Service, and the Chapter of Real Estate Appraisers, past Member of Independent fee appraisers, and past member of the New York Builders Association. James was an adjunct professor of Real Estate at Rockland Community College.

He was a kind and loving partner to his spouse Gloria as well as a dedicated and caring father to his children and a doting and affectionate grandfather to his grandchildren.

He had a strong faith in God and attended Catholic Mass regularly. James supported many good causes and was generous with his time, talents, and treasures. He was a fourth-degree Knight of Columbus of our Lady of Lord Assembly St. Mary of the Lake and our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Lakewood, New Jersey. Also, he was a member of the Augustinian Recollect Guild at Tagaste Monastery, Suffern, New York.

James was very proud of his Italian heritage and was a long time member and past president of Vincent Liguanti Lodge 2212 Order of Sons and Daughters of Italy in America and former Deputy of District 5 of OSDIA. He was also past present and charter secretary of the Mount Ivy Lions. In addition, James was a manager and coach for Cherry Lane Little League and was a mentor to many and always happy to help others.

Over the years James and Gloria took vacations to Cape Cod, Lake George, Niagara Falls, Poconos, Catskills, Jersey Shore, Virginia Beach, and Florida ( East & West Coast), many tours and cruises to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, South America, Alaska, Hawaii, and Europe. For 35 years they vacationed in Puerto Rico where they made lifelong friends.

Jim as many knew him as, enjoyed bowling Friday nights in the Bronx and was in a league for many years. He loved baseball and was an avid Yankee fan. He enjoyed fishing at the Jersey Shore and Long Island and later in life he took up a more committed game of golf, preferring an 18 hole walk instead of a cart.

In 2001 he moved to Lake Ridge an active adult community and has been a member of the Italian Culture Club, Men’s Club, Emerald Club, Shalom Club, and Golf Club of our Lake Ridge community.

Memorial Contributions can be made in memory of James J. Molinaro Sr. to the: Vincent Linguanti Lodge 2212 Order of the sons of Italy in America (OSIA) college scholarship fund.

Donations can be mailed to:

Vincent Linguanti Lodge 2212

P.O. Box 155, Suffern, NY 10901