May 3, 2013

James A. Lopresti, 80, of New Eagle, passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2013.

Born February 25, 1933, in Gallatin, he was a son of the late Lena Pasini and James “Sheik” Lopresti.

He graduated from Monongahela High School in 1951 and attended both Wake Forest University and California State College, where he also played football and from where he graduated in 1955. He received his master’s degree from Duquesne University in 1968 and his doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh in 1976.

He served in the U.S. Army.

Beginning in 1955, Mr. Lopresti began his 34-year career in public education. During his tenure, he was a teacher, football coach, guidance counselor, assistant principal, principal, director of secondary education and retired as the superintendent of schools in Ringgold School District, the same district from where he, his wife and his sons graduated high school.

He served as a past member of New Eagle Sewage Authority and New Eagle Borough Council and current member of the Pennsylvania Retired Teachers Association.

Mr. Lopresti was a member of St. Damien of Molokai Parish (formerly St. Anthony), where he served as an usher.

He most recently donated his time serving Meals on Wheels, and he loved his garden and delighted in sharing his produce with friends and family. He was a great family man who very much loved his children and grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife and high school sweetheart, Mary Ann Garvin Lopresti, to whom he was married for 57 years; children Rick (Debbie) Lopresti of Columbus, Ohio, and Jim (Julie) Lopresti of Cranberry Township; three grandchildren, Michael, Erin and Dan; and many other relatives and friends.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Marshall Marra Funeral Home, 216 Chess Street, Monongahela, 724-258-6767. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 6, in St. Damien of Molokai Parish, St. Anthony Church, Monongahela, celebrated by Father William R. Terza. Interment will follow at Mon Valley Memorial Park, Temple of All Faiths Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted for the Dr. James A. Lopresti Memorial Scholarship Fund at Ringgold High School. Condolences may be shared with his family on the funeral home website, www.marshallmarrafuneralhome.com.