James S. Laslow, 2125 Trace St., Hermitage, formerly of New York City, passed away at noon Tuesday (3-23-10) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System following a brief illness. He was 80.

Mr. Laslow was born March 19, 1930 in Leechburg, PA a son of the late Andrew and Julia Soltesz Laslow.

He moved to the area in 1932 and graduated from Farrell High School in 1948.

Following high school, Jim enlisted in the US Navy and later the US Army Air Borne Division. He was honorably discharged and then attended a photography school in New York City.

Jim retired from Xavier Society for the Blind in New York City where he was employed for more than 35 years. He thoroughly enjoyed his work and co-workers at Xavier and once came out of retirement to return.

Jim loved basketball and looked forward to 'March Madness' each year. He was also fond of wrestling, particularly at the collegiate level.

Surviving are: two sons, Stephen M. Ackley-Ortiz, Esq. and his wife Ramie, New Haven, CT; and Eric Laslow and his wife Dianne, Chimoya, New Mexico; two sisters, Elizabeth 'Betty' Bogner, Masury, Ohio; and Theressa Trinckes and her husband Anthony, Brookfield, Ohio; three brothers, Ernest T. Laslow and his wife Elsie, Farrell; Joseph H. Laslow, Hermitage; and Robert J. Laslow and his wife Carrie, Sharon, PA; a granddaughter, Celina; two sisters-in-law, Nellie Laslow, Brookfield; and Helen Laslow, Sharon; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Jim was preceded in death by two sisters, Ethel Szuch and Julia Snyder; and three brothers, Paul, John and Albert Laslow.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Xavier Society for the Blind, 154 East 23rd St., New York, NY 10010.

There are no calling hours. Friends may email condolences by visiting www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Private graveside service at St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Farrell.

Interment: St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Farrell.

Arrangements by J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.