James W. Baccari

Newport, RI - James W. Baccari, 76, of Newport, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2014 in Fort Myers, FL. He was the husband of Dorothy A. (Lacerda) Baccari. Born in Newport, RI on July 26, 1938, he was the son of the late Michael and Mary (Sullivan) Baccari. Jimmy graduated from De La Salle Academy in 1957. He then served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves for 8 years, and was past president of the Col. William R. Higgins Marine Corps League. Jim was self-employed as a barber for 44 years and served on the Newport City Council for 11 years and in the capacity of Vice Chairman for the last five years. He also devoted himself to the needs and concerns of the families and youth of our city. He advocated for improvements to city parks, playground areas, basketball courts, a skateboard park at Easton's Beach, capital improvements at historic Cardines Field, construction of the sports building and restroom facilities at Braga Park for the Newport Little league, and revitalized and improved the quality of life for residents of the Broadway area. Jim was awarded the Democrat of the Year in 2003. Jim was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Newport Knights of Columbus, the Newport Festa Italiana, the Vasco de Gama Holy Ghost Society, and the Friendly Sons of Newport and the Local Barbers Union. Jim was also a member of the Newport County Umpires and Referees Association and Past President of the Newport County Officials Association. He was recognized with an award for 30 years of exemplary and distinguished service with the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials and was inducted into the City of Newport Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. He helped popularize softball in Newport and held many titles during his involvement with the Newport Softball League. He was also the director of the Club at Crystal Lake in Fort Myers, FL. Besides his wife of 51 years, he is survived by his three children, Donna, Darlene and James Jr. along with his two grandchildren, Michael and Nicholas, his brother Michael J. Baccari and many dear friends.Calling hours will be held on Sunday, October 26, 2014 from 2:00pm-4:00pm in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport. His funeral will be held on Monday, October 27, 2014 at 8:00am from the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00am in St. Josephs Church, Broadway and Mann Avenue, Newport. Donations in Jim's memory may be made to Newport Fire Department, 21 W. Marlborough Street, Newport, RI 02840 and a special thanks to the Paramedics from the Newport Naval Base. Visitation OCT 26. 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com Service OCT 27. 09:00 AM St. Josephs Church Mann Avenue at Broadway Newport, RI, US