James M. Mennucci - Obituary

ames Michael Mennucci, age 71, passed away Friday, August 17, 2018, in his home surrounded by his wife and children. He fought a courageous 10-year battle with ALS. He was born in Pawtucket, RI to the late Francesco and Marianne Mennucci. He served two tours in Vietnam as a Navy Seabee Master Diver. One of his Navy accomplishments was the construction of an underwater habitat known as Project Tektite based in St. Johns, Virgin Islands. After receiving a mechanical engineering degree from, the University of Rhode Island, he began a 35-year career at Northrop Grumman Undersea Systems in Annapolis, MD (Westinghouse). On his first day of work he was invited to race on an Alberg 30, which spurred his lifelong love for sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. He met many of his lifelong friends through his membership with the Alberg-30 Association. He always liked to say, “it doesn’t get any better than this.” It’s the way he truly felt about sailing the Chesapeake Bay. No matter what worries, sailing was his cure-all. His dry sense of humor made us laugh up to the very end of his life. He was a fearless leader and felt strongly about balance in life; work hard but also make time to play hard. His children were his greatest achievement in life and he thoroughly enjoyed watching them figure out the path they wanted to take in life. He was a ‘tinkerer” and could fix anything. He loved challenges. He was an avid reader, and loved reading books about the water. He is survived by his wife, Coleen and three children; Julie Mennucci (Pat Worley), Michael Mennucci, and Nicola Mennucci; one granddaughter Lucca Worley; two sisters, Cathie Mennucci, and Mary Small (Jack); a brother; Robert Mennucci; and niece and nephew, Jennifer and Luke Small. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in the Fall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy., Pasadena, MD 21122 or Hopkins ALS Clinical Care & Education Fund, C/O Lora L. Clawson, JHOPC Ste. 5070A - 601 North Caroline St., Baltimore, MD 21287. Please take a moment and leave a condolence for his family by using the link to the left. Sail on our beautiful Sailor…. you taught us all how to LIVE LIFE with zest. We love you.