Obituary of James C. Behanna

James C. Behanna, 70, of Trumbull, CT, born August 3, 1938 in Monessen, PA, was a retired foreman of C.B. Dolge, Inc in Westport, CT. He was the son of the late James C and Josephine (Garafalo) Behanna. He graduated from Monessen High School where he played baseball for the Monessen Greyhounds. Shortly thereafter, he entered the U.S. Army where he proudly served his country from 1956 to 1959 stationed overseas in Barcelona, Spain and Orleans, France, where he coached the French youth baseball team. After being honorably discharged, he married the love of his life, Florence Orsilli on August 5, 1961. They moved to Connecticut where they remained for most of their 47 years of marriage. James was an avid sports fan, specifically the Pittsburgh Steelers and UCONN basketball. He was a well-read political buff and enjoyed watching hours of C-Span hearings. His greatest love, however, was his family. Nothing meant more to "Jim" than spending time, laughing with, and loving his wife, sons, and grandchildren. His dry sense of humor was one of his most precious traits along with his humility and genuine concern for others.

In addition to this wife, he is survived by two sons whom he was extremely proud of, James Behanna of Monroe, and David Behanna and his wife, Paula, of Trumbull. He also leaves behind the littlest joys of his life, his granddaughters, Emery and Chloe Behanna, who constantly brought him hours of joy and laughter. In addition, he is survived by one sister, Patricia Galante of North Haven, a nephew, Kevin Galante, and a niece, Sharon Burke.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire staff at St. Vincents Hospital especially the E.R. staff and the seventh floor nurses. Additionally, our gratitude extends to Dr. Dorosario and his entire staff for years of exceptional care. 

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. directly in St. Theresa Church, 5301 Main Street, Trumbull for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. Friends may call on Friday from 4-8 p.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Trumbull EMS, 250 Middlebrooks Avenue, Trumbull, CT 06611.