James Joseph Iannello

James "Jim" Joseph Iannello, 83, of Erie, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2026, following a brief but hard-fought battle with cancer. He was surrounded by the loving family who meant everything to him.

Jim was born in Erie on June 19, 1943, and grew up in the heart of Erie's Little Italy. He graduated from Academy High School in 1961 where he sang with The Corvettes. He went on to join the Air Force, spending four years in Madrid, Spain as a Communications Specialist during the Vietnam era.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Dolly; his son, Joseph Iannello, and daughter-in-law, Amy Iannello; his daughter, Anita Iannello; his cherished grandchildren, Vincent and Stefano Rea; his nephew Tim Iannello; his grandchildren Angela and Anthony Iannello; and many treasured friends, including Don and Carol Patsy, Frank Romeo, Sal and Carmella Zeolla, and Mike Grignol.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph "Joey Day" Iannello and Nellie (Canella) Iannello DiPlacido; his brother, Charles Iannello; his sister-in-law Beverly Lupo; his mother-in-law Mertie (Vacanti) Kibler; and many dear friends.

Jim lived a full and remarkable life, filled with hard work, friendship, family, service, and fun. He spent 22 years as a Staff Manager with John Hancock. Never one to sit still, Jim went on to retire two more times-first from Fox 66, where he sold advertising, and later from Presque Isle Downs & Casino, where he worked in security.

Jim was proud to serve as Past President of the National Wolves Club. He was also an avid golfer and a member of Lake Shore Country Club for more than 25 years. He was very proud of his hole-in-one on the 5th hole at Lake Shore in 1994. His love of the game extended to regularly volunteering his time at the Kahkwa Club's Charity Pro-Am tournaments.

Giving back to his community was important to Jim. He was a regular volunteer at the St. Paul's Italian Festival and at the St. Paul's Soup Kitchen, always willing to lend a hand and contribute his time and money to causes and traditions he cared about. He was also a regular donor to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

One of Jim's greatest joys was traveling with the love of his life Dolly. Together, they shared nine cruises and created countless memories along the way. Their favorite adventure was cruising the Mediterranean, a trip that held a special place in their hearts. He notably did not enjoy the frosty temps on their cruise to Alaska.

Jim also had a flair for entertainment from an early age. As a child, he sang in nightclubs alongside his father as part of the duo "Joey Day and Jimmy Night." This early chapter was just one example of the memorable stories that Jim carried throughout his life.

Above all else, Jim loved his family. He will be remembered for the many lives he touched, the friendships he treasured, his commitment to his community, and the love and devotion he shared with his family. His legacy will live on in the stories, memories, laughter, and love he leaves behind.

Jim will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

Friends are invited to call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, 2122 Raspberry Street, on Friday, September 18th, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and may attend a Funeral Mass at Saint Paul Catholic Church, 1617 Walnut Street on Saturday, September 19th, at 10 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. (www.stjude.org)