James H. Lilley

James Hugh Lilley, age 78, of Harwich, passed away peacefully Thursday, January 5, 2017 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was taught carpentry by his father and studied mechanical engineering at Staten Island Community College. Jim’s career was as an industrial electrician and supervisor at several manufacturing plants. Jim was always busy fixing and tinkering, including major renovations to his homes where he raised his family. His children remember fondly how he always called to see what tools he should bring before he visited.

Jim was a quiet man who showed his affection by doing for others. He was a great role model for his family; he volunteered at several organizations but found his passion volunteering as a ‘Charlie’s Angel’ for Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod. Here, he bonded building homes, saying prayers, and enjoying coffee breaks with wonderful like-minded people, especially Joe, Mike, and Gerry.

His life was enriched by his Catholic faith. He was an active parishioner at Holy Trinity Church in West Harwich, where his remains will reside in the columbarium. The family is grateful for the care provided by Drs. Philip Wade and Scott Graham and their staffs and Broad Reach Hospice.

Jim will be dearly missed by his devoted wife of 53 years, Denise (Muldoon) Lilley, his son Jim Lilley (wife Christy), and his daughters, Kristin Lilley (parenting-partner Larry Langham); and Tara (Lilley) Polli (husband Jason.) He also leaves behind his brothers John (wife Fran); Bill (wife Angela); and brother-in-law Dick Wilmington, sisters-in-law Michelle O’Connell (husband Tom) and Alyce Muldoon (husband John Henze) and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and dear friends. Jim is predeceased by his brother Bob, and sister Gert Reilly (husband Gene). He enjoyed his retirement years at the Cape with his grandchildren Corinne, Jack, and Shane Lilley, and Grace Langham-Lilley.

Born in Yonkers and raised in Staten Island, NY, the son of Hugh and Gertrude (Tierney) Lilley, he graduated from St. Peter’s High School, attended Staten Island Community College before serving in the artillery division of the US Army stationed in Germany. He married Denise and raised his family in various locations including Goshen, NY and Amherst, NH, before retiring to Cape Cod.

In lieu of flowers, Jim would appreciate your helping someone in need or donating to the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers (P.O. Box 302, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0302 www.maryknollsociety.org) or Broad Reach Hospice & Palliative Care (390 Orleans Rd, Chatham MA 02650, libertycommons.org/hospice-palliative-care)

His funeral mass be celebrated 10am Friday, January 13, 2017 at Holy Trinity Church followed by final resting of his ashes in the Holy Trinity Memorial Wall. For online condolences, please visit doanebealames.com.