Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday (1-15-11) for James Vincent Marcolivio, Hermitage Hills Blvd., Hermitage, who passed away peacefully at 4;08 p.m. Wednesday (1-12-11) in Nugent Convalescent Home, Hermitage, with his family at his side. He was 89.

Mr. Marcolivio was born on July 6, 1921 in Ridgeway, Pa., the son of Giuseppe and Michalina Lemongelli Marcolivio.

He was a standout athlete at Ridgeway High School and was the captain of his senior high baseball, basketball, and football teams. He also attended the Kiski School, an all-boys college preparatory boarding school in Saltsburg, Pa., where he was also a three sport letterman. He earned his Bachelor's of Science degree in Education from Lock Haven University, Lock Haven, Pa., with a B.S. in Education in 1949. He also earned his Masters Degree in Education from Westminster College, New Wilmington.

Mr. Marcolivio worked in the West Middlesex School District for 32 years where he taught Health Science, Physical Education, and General Science, and held the position as Guidance Counselor for 13 years. While teaching at West Middlesex, he coached several sports teams including the 1953-54 Big Red Basketball team that is still the only West Middlesex team to win a State title. He coached his team to a 74-58 victory against Mount Joy in the State Title Tilt and brought the First State Championship Trophy home to West Middlesex High School. He also assisted Kennedy Catholic's Golden Eagle Football team in 1985 as a defensive back coach.

A decorated war veteran, he served with the United States Navy Air Corp., in both the European, and African Theaters and was honorably discharged with several medals and commendations.

In 1982, Mr. Marcolivio was inducted into the Mercer County Hall for all of his great sports achievements.

After retirement, he simply enjoyed spending time with his family and he also was a well known face at Tam O'Shanter Golf Course in Hermitage where he worked as a starter.

He was an active member of the Church of the Good Shepherd, West Middlesex, where in past years he belonged to their Men's Club and was one of the founding members of the parish.

Some of his former memberships included the Pennsylvania State Education Assoc., the National Education Assoc., the Italian Home and its Men's Wednesday night golf league, and the Italian American War Veterans (ITAM).

He also was a volunteer for a number of years at the F.H. Buhl Club, Sharon.

He is survived at home by his wife of 61 years, the former Louise McRoberts. He also leaves his daughter, Kathleen L. Lewis, Volant, a sister Molly Zimmerman, Medway, Mass, a brother Anthony J. Marcolivio and his wife Joyce, North Carolina, three grandchildren, Meredith A. Eaton and her husband Rocky, Susan L. Sippola and her husband Jason, and Donald G. Lewis, five great grandchildren, Isabella and Brooklyn Eaton, Hannah and Zachary Sippola, and Braden Lewis.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sons Vincent and James Patrick, a brother Nicholas Marcolivio, and four sisters, Lena and Anna DeCarlois, Genevieve Stenta, and Victoria Cole.

In lieu of flowers, Jim's family suggests that memorial contributions may be made out to 'the Good Shepherd Education Fund' and sent to the Church of the Good Shepherd 3613 Sharon Road, West Middlesex, Pa., 16159.

Calling hours: 4 to 7 Friday (1-14-11) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. 1090 E. State Street Sharon.

Condolences may be sent by visiting the web site www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCremtory.com

Service: Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10a.m. Saturday (1-15-11) in Church of the Good Shepherd, 3613 Sharon Road West Middlesex, with Msgr. Robert M. Malene, pastor, as celebrant. The family asks that everyone go directly to the church as there will be no procession from the funeral home the morning of the funeral mass.