James P. Botelho

James "Jim" P. Botelho, 79, passed away on May 25, 2013, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Newport, a lifelong resident of Aquidneck Island, Jim was the son of the late Louis and Irene (Piver) Botelho. He leaves behind his lifelong friend and wife of 57 years, Patricia Ann (Sullivan) Botelho.Jim leaves an indelible mark on the lives he touched and those he met throughout his life and career. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy for three years, stationed in Newport, continuing his long-standing presence and contribution to his hometown. Starting with his days as a shoe-shine boy on the long wharf of Newport at age nine, his years at the Columbus Bakery with Hector and the late Corrado Marcucci, and later as a meter reader for the Newport Gas Company. 1966 marked the opening of the fondly-remembered Colonial Ice Cream Parlor, which he ran with his wife and children until 1985. Even in retirement, he gave back to friends and neighbors as he established himself as a skilled plumber, always there to help those in need fix a sink or leaky faucet.He was a proud member of the Newport Knights of Columbus, an eager volunteer delivering baskets at the holidays, manning his post behind the grill at the Maher Center cookout, and running the renowned Portuguese Night at the K of C Hall in Newport. He was honored to be named Grand Knight in 1990, a position he held with distinction. He also served his church, Saint Barnabas, as a communicant and active participant in annual events.Jim treasured his friends and family, always eager to host holidays and parties to bring everyone together. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his loving children, James D. Botelho, Patricia Lynn Botelho, Judith Ann Costa and her husband, Frank. He was loved and adored by his grandchildren, Stephanie Lynn Ferreira, Justin Wells, Adam Wasilewski, Alex Wasilewski, and Tyler Allott; and his great-grandchildren, Kyle Oliviera, Jacob Oliviera, Mia Oliveria and Leah Ferreira. Jim is also survived by his brother Joseph Botelho of East Providence and his many cherished nieces and nephews.Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Everett, Louis, Edward, Frank and Anthony Botelho, and sisters, Virginia Mederios, Ethel Matthews, Irene Marcucci-Smith, and Beatrice Daponte. Calling hours will be held on Monday, May 27 from 4:00-8:00pm in the Connors Funeral Home 55 West Main Rd, Portsmouth.Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, May 28 at 9:00am from Connors Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Barnabas Church, East Main Rd, Portsmouth, RI. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Columba Cemetery, Middletown.In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Lucys Hearth, 913 West Main Road, Middletown, RI 02842 or James L. Maher Center, PO Box 4390, Middletown, RI 02842. Cemetery Details St. Columba Catholic Cemetery Brown's Lane Middletown, RI, 02842 Visitation MAY 27. 04:00 PM - 08:00 PM Connors Funeral Home 55 West Main Road Portsmouth, RI, US, 02871 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.connorsfuneralhome.com Service MAY 28. 10:00 AM St. Barnabas Church 1697 East Main Road Portsmouth, RI, US