James (Jimmy) Piantanida, 79, of West Long Branch, entered into eternal peace on Tuesday, March 7, 2017. James was born in West Long Branch on September 28, 1937 to Eunice and Jack Piantanida. He spent most of his life in New Jersey as a resident of West Long Branch. James also had a love for the warm Florida weather and lived in Port Orange, FL for nearly 10 years prior to moving back to West Long Branch in 2013.
James was owner and operator of James Piantanida Trenching and Excavation where he worked digging and installing in-ground pools as well as other masonry. He was a proud member of the Eatontown Elks Lodge #2402 as well as a volunteer firefighter for Branchport Hose Company in Long Branch. He had a love for classic cars, country music, and restoring antique furniture but his most treasured moments were spent with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his wife who was the love of his life.
James is survived by his best friend and beloved wife of 37 years, Maryann Piantanida; son, James Piantanida Jr.; daughters: Dawn VanBrunt, Donna Girard, and Kathleen Pease; son-in-law, Richard Pease. He also leaves behind eight adoring grandchildren: Andrew, Christopher, Dylan, Erica, Lauren, Leanna, Lisa, and Luke as well as nine great-grandchildren: Adriana, Ashlee, Brooke, Emma, Gabriella, Gracie, Jaxson, Jayce, and Lily. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law Cara and Sal Massaro and sisters-in-law, Ernestine Ferraro, Ellen VanPelt, and Eleanor Marlowe.
James was pre-deceased by his parents Jack and Eunice Piantanida; daughter and son-in-law, Dian and Guy Stokey; son, James VanBrunt III as well as his sister, Grace and brothers: Gary, Jack, Donald, and Robert Piantanida. He is also pre-deceased by three brothers-in-law: George Garry, James Ferraro, and Louis VanPelt; and his long-time friend and 'husband-in-law' James VanBrunt, Jr.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit from 2-6 pm Sunday at the Fiore Funeral Home, 236 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, Ocean Township. All family and friends are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For condolences, please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.