James A. Muscato, 73, of Dunkirk died Monday afternoon (Nov. 17, 2014) at the Elderwood Skilled Nursing Rehabilitation in Williamsville following a lengthy illness, with his loving family at his side.
He was born Jan. 21, 1941 in Dunkirk, the son of the late Joseph and Josephine (Privateer) Muscato.
A graduate of St. Mary's Academy, Jim was a 1958 alumnus of Cardinal Mindszenty High School, where he played football for four years.
He served in the U.S. Army National Guard 127th Armor Division from 1964 to 1969 and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant E5.
Jim was employed as a Transportation Management Specialist for Cliffstar Corp. for more than 30 years and also had worked for several other local trucking companies prior to his retirement.
He served on the Chautauqua County Legislature District 1 from 1981 to 1991. He also served on the Dunkirk Common Council as second ward councilman from 2000 to 2001 and as councilman-at-large from 2004 to 2009. In addition, he was a member of numerous boards and committees, including veterans organizations. For more than 20 years, he was a New York State high school football official.
A parishioner of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Jim was a life member of the Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree and a member of American Legion Post 62, Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, Dunkirk Exempts and the Moniuszko Club. He also served as an officer and treasurer for the former Frank Acquavia American Legion Post 1344 for many years.
He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox, Buffalo Bills and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Survivors include his wife, Kathleen (Vittum) Muscato, whom he married April 27, 1968; three sons, James A. Muscato II of Dunkirk, Jeffrey R. Muscato of Vail, Colorado, and Jonathan M. (Sarah Dickenson) Muscato of Dunkirk; two brothers, Joseph (Sallie) Muscato and Robert C. "Bob" Muscato, both of Dunkirk; a brother-in-law, Dennis (Cherie) Vittum of Edwards, Colo.; two grandchildren, Robert and Christopher Frank; two great-grandchildren, Madyson and Landen Frank; several nieces and nephews, including Kristin (Roger) Britz of Fredonia; and his loyal canine companion, Coco.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his niece, Deena Rae Muscato Dalrymple, who passed away on March 27, 2004.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 20 at 9:15 AM from the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, November 19 from 6:00-9:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Lakeshore Humane Society, 431 E. Chestnut St., Dunkirk, NY 14048 or the Chautauqua County Humane Society, 2825 Strunk Road, Jamestown, NY 14701.
Obituary from the Dunkirk Observer
