Obituary of James J. Mannella

James “Jim” Mannella, Age 64, of Garfield, surrounded by his family, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 1, 2021. Son of the late James F. and Marlene (Bougher). Proceeded in death by his brother, Robert D. Mannella. Survived by his siblings, Edward G. Mannella (Mary), Gina M. Mannella (Eileen Simpson) and Carol Hope McCaig (Roy) and his nephew and godson Christopher J. Mannella (Lauren). Jim grew up in Garfield on Kincaid Street with his mom, dad, brothers, Ed, Bob, and sister, Gina. It was there he learned the importance of family, friends and fellowship. All were welcomed in their home and he would invite friends to holiday meals when they did not have a place to go. Kincaid Street was where he first learned of community, which remained strong even though he has not lived there for years. He was educated at St. Lawrence O’Toole, Central Catholic and Point Park College. Jimmy had many passions in life beyond his family and friends. His love for music lasted until his last days when he listened to his playlist titled, “Jim’s Funeral Take.” It is quite an eclectic collection. Jim was so well read during his life and it was apropos that he worked for years managing the Atlantic Books stores. But of all his passion, he was most passionate about Pittsburgh sports teams. Money that he earned in his youth and later on in life, he spent going to Forbes Field to watch the Pirates and later, Three Rivers Stadium and how he loved Roberto. He was a founding member of the Fred Fantasy Baseball League. As a family, they spent Sunday afternoons at the house with a simmering pot of his mom’s sauce, cheering on the Steelers. Jim LOVED hockey and was a Penguins season ticket holder for many years when attendance was at most 5,000 - he loved his team. He was happy that he could celebrate for the last 17,272 days that the Philadelphia Flyers had not lifted the cup. Jim was sarcastic, gruff, funny, inappropriate and the kindest person that anyone could have met. He had strong friendships with many people and he will be sorely missed. The family cannot thank the staff enough at the AGH Cancer Institute, the angels that cared for him on the 9th floor and the very special person on the palliative care team that helped us through the last few difficult days. Friends received at McCabe Bros., Inc. Funeral Home, 5300 Penn Avenue, Bloomfield on Sunday, from 2 pm until time of service at 5:30 pm. AT THE FAMILY’S REQUEST, MASKS WILL BE REQUIRED AT THE VIEWING AND SERVCIE. Condolences may be left at www.mccabebrothers.com