James J. Porreca

James J. Porreca, 101, of New Holland, PA, passed away on Monday, October 10, 2022. He was the husband of the late Concetta M. (Gallo) Porreca, who preceded him in death in 2002.

Born on a farm in Sadsbury Township, Chester County, James was the son of Vincenzo and Bambina Connicella Porreca. He was the ninth of ten children. James moved to Coatesville when he was three years old and as a young man he enjoyed carpentry, growing a vegetable garden and helping neighbors with various projects just for fun. After school he worked in a shoemaker’s shop in Coatesville. He graduated from Coatesville High School in 1939.

James was working at Lukens Steel Company as a welder when World War II began. He answered his country’s call and served in the U. S. Army from 1943 to 1945 as a Pvt. First Class in the 5th Army, 85th Division, 339th Regiment, Company K. He was injured in the assault on the Gustav Line in Italy near Monte Cassino on May 12, 1944. His decorations of military service include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, European Theater of Operation Service Medal, Europe-Africa-Middle East Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. After his honorable discharge in 1945, James returned to work at Lukens as a production recorder until he retired in 1980 after 39 years of service.

James was a life member and the last surviving charter member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 1777. Over the years he held each of the offices in the organization, serving as adjutant until he was 92 years old. He also served as the National Americanism Officer and Pennsylvania State Department Commander.

James was also a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 287, American Legion Post No. 64 where he served as Commander, Disabled American Veterans Post No. 80, West End Fire Company in Coatesville, Sons of Italy, and Lukens Veterans Guild.

James was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in New Holland where he served as a Eucharist Minister for 25 years and President of the Church’s Senior Citizens Group. He also served on the New Holland Area Food Bank.

James served as a volunteer at the VA Medical Center in Coatesville where he logged thousands of volunteer hours from the time of his honorable discharge in 1945 until a few years ago. He assisted with numerous patient activities and offered leadership assistance in the following areas: VA Volunteer Services Advisory Committee where he served as Chairman, Special Events Chairman, assisted with the initiation of the guest services program, served on the Investigative Research Board, and spoke with students at various schools and churches.

James was instrumental in the creation of the Veterans Monument in Coatesville which honors all those who served in the Armed Forces. He served as Secretary of the Veterans Counsel and coordinated the services held at the monument for many years.

James received numerous awards and citations. Some of the most notable were: The Military Order of the Purple Heart National Citation naming him the Outstanding Citizen of the Year for exceptional meritorious and conspicuous service to the community, fellow citizens, and veterans. He also received National and State citations recognizing his outstanding service to the Purple Heart. He received the Humanitarian Award from the Chapel of Four Chaplains in recognition of outstanding service to all people regardless of race or faith. He was presented with the Key to the City of Coatesville for his service to the community and the Hazel P. Harnish Memorial Award for Excellence in Volunteering. James also received the President’s Call to Service Award in recognition and appreciation of his commitment to strengthening our nation and for making a difference through volunteer services.

James left a legacy of caring and giving to his family and community. He assured that everyone was seen and heard. James was known as a quiet, humble man full of faith and wisdom. He filled his days with songs and smiles. His favorite saying was “You gotta keep moving...”

Surviving him are his three children, James J. Porreca (Linda) of Goodyear, AZ, Nancy A. Gill of Parkesburg, PA and Rosemarie A. Porreca of Lancaster, PA. Also surviving him are his grandson James Nicholas Porreca (Mia) of Kaneohe, HI, two great grandchildren Andrea and James and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by six sisters, Regina Carlone, Rose Catanese, Claudine Porreca, Ann Morroney Street, Bessie Donohue, and Rita Kauffman: and three brothers John Porreca, John T. Porreca and Albert F. Porreca.

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am on Friday October 28th at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 150 Water St., New Holland, PA 17557.

Family and friends may call from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm on Thursday October 27th at the Garden Spot Village Chapel, 433 South Kinzer Ave., New Holland 17557. Interment will be in St. Cecilia Cemetery, Coatesville, PA.

In his memory, contributions may be made to the Military Order of the Purple, Chapter #1777, c/o William Englerth, P.O. Box 220 (#1203), Honey Brook, PA 19344; or Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg, PA.
Online condolences may be respectfully posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com