JAMES LOFASO

James LoFaso, 80, a lifelong resident of Monaca, passed away on Thursday, June 7, 2018, at his home surrounded by his family. Born on October 18, 1937, in the family homestead on Ninth Street, Monaca, he was a son of the late Salvatore and Maria (Zaffuto) LoFaso. Jim was a proud alumni of Penn State where he majored in metallurgical engineering and professionally was employed as a supervisor with the former St. Joe Zinc, Potter Township and later with the Neville Chemical Company. A man who looked upon life with a positive attitude, he previously served his hometown of Monaca as a councilman and was a member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Center Township. He loved to visit the casinos, take trips and was an avid sports fan of the Penguins, Pirates, Steelers and Penn State football. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 48 years, Jacqueline Barbara (Krell) LoFaso on June 7, 2007; a granddaughter, Anna Mary Gragan; two brothers, Matthew and Sam LoFaso, Sr.; and two sisters, Mary Baghetti and Josephine Lang. He leaves two daughters, Jamie Gragan of Center Township and Shari (Michael) Whitico of Allison Park; six grandchildren, Michael and Josh Whitico, and Rachel, Justin, Kelly and James Gragan; several nieces and nephews; and longtime buddy, Buzzie Tuffie. Friends will be received on Monday, June 11th from 6 to 8 p.m., and Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. in the SIMPSON FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 1119 Washington Ave., Monaca, (724) 728-4000, where prayers will be offered on Wednesday at 10:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, Center Township with the Reverend Father Martin R. Bartel, OSB officiating. Interment will follow in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Monaca. Memorial contributions may be made, if desired, in James's memory to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 1848, Longmont, Colorado 80502. To share online condolences, get directions and other information, please visit simpsonfuneralhome.com.