James A. Depto, 77, of Warren, PA., died at his residence, Monday, August 3, 2020 after suffering an apparent heart attack. He was born May 30, 1943 in Warren, PA. He was the son of Anthony A. Depto and Edith Rickerson Depto Elsholz. He was a Warren area resident most of his life, living in Albany, GA, while he was in the service. Jim was a veteran of Vietnam War, serving with the U.S. Air Force as an Airman Second Class. He earned an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. He was employed for 45 years with the former National Forge Company and Ellwood Crankshaft, retiring as a polisher foreman. He owned and operated Depto Christmas Tree Farm. Jim was a member of the Warren Eagles Aerie and Clarendon Veterans of Foreign Wars Club #314. He had been a little league baseball coach. He also was a coach at Allegheny Valley Elementary School, coaching boys and girls basketball and also for the Sheffield High School Girls Basketball team. Jim was an avid New York Yankees Baseball fan, hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman. He especially enjoyed being Santa for many years for numerous groups, most especially for the Warren Special Olympics and Clarendon V.F.W. Club. He loved traveling anytime he could, he enjoyed traveling to the western United States. Every child who ever entered into his home, all knew him as Papa.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Norma Grosch Depto, whom he married in 1962 in Warren, PA.
5 Children, James M. Depto and wife, Jamie of Clarendon, PA., Michael N. Depto of Kane, PA., Michele Depto Kent and husband, Kevin of Starbrick, PA., Kelly Depto Stanko and fiancé, Andrew Bonnell of Warren, PA., special grandson whom Jim considered as his son, Christopher Jordan at home, 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Todd A. Depto, who died December 21, 1992.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA. on Thursday, August 6, 2020 from 6 to 8 P.M. CDC guidelines and state mandates will be observed, must wear masks and social distancing will be enforced. Limited visitation will also be observed, so please be patient. A private funeral service will be conducted at the convenience of the family, with Rev. Dale Haight, officiating. Interment will be in St. Joseph R.C. Cemetery where full military honors will be provided by members of the Clarendon/Sheffield V.F.W. Funeral Detail and the U.S. Air Force personnel. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Warren County Special Olympics or Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department or Disabled American Veterans. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
There is sadness on the Brown Run hill that is felt here in Ohio. Norma, sending the biggest hug to you, the kids and grands. Jim was an amazing man who accomplished much, cared for his family and gave to others from his big heart. God wrap His arms round you & shine light on your new path. Jim will be watching over you all. I am sure he had a playful debate with St Peter at the gates of Heaven & is catching up with my dad. We cannot attend due to the limitations but hope to visit in September. Much love to you and your families.
Thank you very much
Jim was great guy with a big heart who will be fondly remembered by his many friends and coworkers.
Our condolences go to his family during this sad time.
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I am so sorry for your loss.
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So very sorry for your loss.
Thoughts and prayers for the family.
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So very sorry for your loss.
You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
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So sorry for your loss-Jim was a very good baseball coach -especially loving the Red Barn team- I had fun coaching with Jim for All-stars and against Jim in Little League. He will be missed by many people who knew him. Thoughts and prayers for the entire family!
Thank you very much
I love you daddy and I will each and everyday for the of time left I have left in this lifetime for I know I will be seeing you todd grandpa tony and everyone else I missed. You touched everyones heat in a positive and loving way you touched soooo many souls in a positive way. I know what you would not want me to do and I won’t, I will make you proud and do what is right and what you would want me to do and is between us, cause it’s our pact. Thank you for always being there from little league to first communion to confirmation, to girls basketball to my wedding walking me down the isle I will never forget our vacation out west, that is my and kevin’s memories we will always hold so close to our heart, it was a privilege to get married with you mom, aunt callie and Bruce there. And we sure had fun planting your christmas farm. You got to sell them one year, we will all chip in this year and make you chuckle , make you proud please be at peace and always watch over ALL of us, especially gram. You were ready for your wings but my heart wasn’t. Love you, the BEST DADDY anyone could ever have or want