James Arthur Allegretto
James Arthur Allegretto, 87, of Aroda, VA, passed away on May 30th, after a challenging battle with pancreatic cancer. Jim was born on November 10, 1937, in Elmira, NY to Amerigo and Estelle “Stella” (Letchi) Allegretto. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Nancy (Rebmann) Allegretto, his daughters Carrie and Elizabeth, sons, Scott and Michael, and pre-deceased by daughter, Laura. Grandchildren Jacqueline, Brittany, Camryn, Hannah, Amerigo, and Vinnie (deceased) benefitted from his love and guidance. His living siblings are Edmond, Wayne (Janet), and Yvonne and departed siblings include Anthony, Richard, Joanie, Carmella, and Janet. Jim graduated from Ridgway High School in Pennsylvania, where he obtained an athletic scholarship to the University of Buffalo and was a member of the Buffalo Bulls football team. The 1958 team received national recognition for taking a stand against racial discrimination and refused to accept their first invitation to the Tangerine Bowl in Florida as they restricted which team members could play. He obtained his B.S. in physical education and health and completed graduate work in educational administration at SUNY at Brockport. Jim served in many capacities as a high school teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal, and principal in several upstate New York school districts. Over his lifetime he received numerous awards, including inductions into the Halls of Fame of Greater Buffalo Sports, the University of Buffalo, Attica Central School, and NY Section V Football. He served the communities of Granville, NY as a member of the Lions Club and Rochelle, VA as a member of the Ruritan Club. He was an avid reader, golfer, and lover of all sports. His greatest achievement was in the development of students and athletes who needed extra support, and sometimes a father figure, but was a mentor to many and a warm, caring person to all. He will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled in the near future in Western NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital Foundation, 400 Martha Jefferson Dr STE 100, Charlottesville, VA 22911 or the1958 Lambert Cup Team Football Scholarship Endowment, SUNY at Buffalo, 503 Capen Hall, Buffalo, NY 14260-1660.

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