James "Jimmy" Moriarty

James "Jimmy" Moriarty, of Andover, CT passed away on Thursday, December 24, 2015, Christmas Eve, after several years of battling multiple health issues. He was a highly skilled communicator able to carry on an interesting conversation up until his last day. Jimmy was born in Dingle County Kerry Ireland on December 2, 1930, the youngest of ten to John J. Moriarty and Bridget Fitzgerald. Jimmy was a popular and skilled meat cutter in several grocery stores across Connecticut and western Massachusetts. He learned his trade from his brother, Patty Atty, managing the animals, slaughtering, and merchandising the meat in the family business in Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland. After a short stint in London, he came to the US in 1957, cutting meat for A&P, Parkway Beef and several other grocery stores in Connecticut. He retired in 1985 after a heart attack to become a house husband, caring for his infant son and planning family vacations. Jimmy enjoyed travel, especially to Ireland and Canada, Nova Scotia in particular, and even small day trips. Eating out was always a great break from his house husband duties. Extra special trips were to races - dogs and especially horse races. He had a knack for picking the good ones but was just as happy winning as he was when he almost won. He also enjoyed watching boxing matches, doing yard work, and taking walks on the bike trail with his dogs. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Patricia (Wolos) Moriarty of Andover, a son Jonathan Moriarty of Hartford, and a brother-in-law Richard Wolos of Windsor. He is also survived by two sisters - Phyl Moriarty of Dublin Ireland and Sister Martina (Ita) Moriarty of the Medical Missionaries of Mary in Dragheda Ireland. He is predeceased by his 5 brothers - Patty Atty Moriarty of Dingle Ireland, Foxy John Moriarty of Dingle Ireland, Benny Moriarty of Dingle Ireland, Brother Thomas Moriarty of the Christian Brothers in Ireland, and Jonathan Moriarty of Stradbally Ireland, as well as 2 sisters - Molly Flaherty of Dingle, and Terese O'Toole of Dublin Ireland. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, and cousins both in Ireland and in the U.S. The young relations in Ireland tell us this is the "end of an era" because Jimmy was "wicked famous" in Dingle. Perhaps it was because of his prowess on the Irish Football field in his youth. The family wishes to salute the medical professionals and their staff who kept death at bay for so many years for Jimmy. They were always very skilled and also patient and friendly. We also salute the groups in AA who provided so much relaxing entertainment and support over the years. The family will receive friends and relatives, Tuesday, December 29, 2015 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic, CT. The Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at 10:00 a.m., at St. Columba Church, 328 Rte. 66, Columbia, CT. A Committal Service will be held at St. Michael's Cemetery in Springfield, MA. To sign the online memorial book please visit, www.potterfuneralhome.com