James Robert Gazzaniga, 87, of Williamstown, MA died Monday November 13, 2017 at Berkshire Medical Center. He was born in North Adams, MA on March 18, 1930, son of Louis Paul Gazzaniga and Giuseppina (Della Bianca) Gazzaniga. He attended Mark Hopkins School and graduated from Drury High School. He earned his Bachelor's and Master’s degrees from North Adams State College. Jim was a veteran of the Korean War and served in the US Navy. Jim served as a guidance counselor and career coordinator at Mount Greylock Regional High School for 29 years until his retirement in 1990. Following his retirement, he worked as a sales representative for Jack Anderson Associates. For many years, Jim also worked alongside his brothers in the Gazzaniga family business. Jim was proud of his 36 years as a member of the School Committee at McCann Technical High School and also served as president of the Williamstown Municipal Federal Credit Union. He was a longtime member of the Williamstown Rotary Club. He was a communicant of Sts. Patrick and Raphael Parish. Jim genuinely cared about people, and loved time with family, friends and colleagues. He was a wonderful listener and treasured the new and long lasting connections he made with so many. He was especially proud of his five granddaughters.

Survivors include his wife, T. Joan (Koonz) Gazzaniga, whom he married on November 24, 1956 and one daughter- Sheila A. Costello and her husband, Francis of Newtown, PA; and two sons- James R. Gazzaniga Jr. and his wife, Melissa of South Glastonbury, CT and John P. Gazzaniga of Edgartown, MA. He also leaves five granddaughters including Kate Gazzaniga, Sarah Gazzaniga, Molly Costello, Kerry Costello, and Emily Gazzaniga; and nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by two sisters and five brothers including Helen Parisien, Florence Netherwood; Angelo, Harold, Henry, Louis and William Gazzaniga.
FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial to celebrate the life of James Gazzaniga will be held Friday November 17, 2017at 11:00 AM at Sts. Patrick and Raphael Church, Southworth St. Williamstown, MA. Burial will be in Southview cemetery. A calling hour AT THE CHURCH will be Friday morning from 10-11AM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or the St. Patrick Food Pantry in care of FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS CENTRAL CHAPEL, 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA 01247. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.