Mr. James Foti

Foti James J. Foti, 88, of Morton, Ridley Twp., in Delaware County, PA, entered Eternal Life on Tuesday, April 16. Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the oldest son of the late Sebastian and Rose (nee Messina) Foti. He graduated from South Philadelphia High School for Boys, where he excelled in his studies and played the violin in the school orchestra. He matriculated at Drexel University, but left to serve in the Pacific Theater as a radio operator during the last eight months of WWII. At the war's end, he worked briefly in the fledgling television industry with his cousin (also named James J. Foti), and finished his Drexel coursework at night, obtaining a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation, he became a civilian marine engineer with the Navy, working out of the Philadelphia Navy Yard and crossing the globe as a respected troubleshooter whenever and wherever ship and submarine turbines were experiencing serious problems around the world. He retired after more than 30 years of civil service to enjoy singing in the OLPH parish choir, playing the piano (self-taught), dancing with his wife Carmela, and playing tennis at Idlehour Tennis Club; he loved being with family most of all. Jim was a longtime resident of Ridley Township, and a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish for more than 60 years. He is survived by his beloved wife, Carmela (nee Monastra), with whom he would have joyously celebrated 65 years of marriage this coming October. He was a wonderful father to Stephanie Greco (Gerald), Kenneth (Victoria), and Robert (Gail). He delighted in his eight grandchildren: Michael, Jason, Regina, Alexander, Jordan, Amanda, Heather and Benjamin, and two great-granddaughters, Mikayla and Evelyn. He is also survived by his dear sister, Anita Monastra. James' Life Celebration will be held on Monday, April 22, starting at 9:30am, immediately followed by his Funeral Mass at 11am, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Church, 2130 Franklin Avenue, Morton, PA 19070 Interment: Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield. In lieu of flowers: memorial donations to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish. Arrangements: Knoetgen Funeral Home, 610-544-0600. To share your fondest memories of James please visit www.lifecelebration.com, 1-800-GIVNISH