James "Jim" P. DeLeo III

James “Jim” P. DeLeo, III, 74, of South Windsor and formerly of East Hartford, journeyed home into eternal life on Monday, May 4, 2020 to be with his beloved wife of 24 years Rachel (Beland) DeLeo in heaven. Born in Hartford on February 4, 1946, son of the late Paul and Phyllis (Cipolla) DeLeo, he had been a life-long resident of the East Hartford/South Windsor area. Jim attended Mount Saint Charles Academy in Woonsocket, RI and graduated from East Hartford High School, class of 1965. Jim was a Service Manager for A-1 Toyota in New Haven before retiring from the Town of East Hartford-Board of Education as the Maintenance Foreman after over 20 years of service. He was a longtime member of the Volunteer Hose Company #3 in East Hartford and enjoyed playing cards (cribbage, gin, and set-back), along with taking frequent trips to the local casinos and Atlantic City. He liked horse racing, was an overall sports enthusiast, and was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox. He was most proud of his 2019 Fantasy Baseball championship with his son, Jimmy, as his co-manager. Jim brightened everyone’s spirit with his smile and cheerfulness whenever he entered a room. He was often the life of the party. Jim also enjoyed going to Maine each summer to spend time relaxing with his family at the beach.

James loved his family. He was extremely proud of his son, Jimmy who he saw fulfill his dreams of becoming a dentist, and his daughter, Debbie who followed in her mother’s footsteps in becoming a teacher. He was a loving grandfather, (Papa) who cherished the time he spent with his five granddaughters.

Jim is survived by his son, James Paul DeLeo, IV and his wife, Daphnie, of Bedford, NH; his daughter, Deborah D. Ginman and her husband, Craig, of Glastonbury; his sister, Margaret “Peggy” Gaglioti and her husband, Franco, of East Hartford; five adored granddaughters, Raquel and Claudia DeLeo both of Bedford, NH, Avery, Taylor, and Sadie Ginman all of Glastonbury; many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Due to the current health crisis, a private service and burial will be held at the convenience of the family. A public celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date and time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim’s name be made to the East Hartford Food Bank, Attn: Social Services, 740 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06108. The D’ESOPO-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford has been entrusted with the care of the funeral arrangements. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopoeh.com.