James Petrozzino

Jim Petrozzino, 92, of Waretown, New Jersey, took his final lap around the bases on December 21, 2025. A lifelong New Jersey resident, Jim leaves behind a legacy of laughter, Yankee pinstripes, and enough duct tape to hold the state of New Jersey together.

A proud Korean War veteran, Jim served his country with quiet strength and lifelong humility. He was a devoted Catholic who carried his faith not loudly, but steadily—guiding how he lived, how he served others, and how he was always there for his family, usually early and with a joke.

A die-hard New York Yankees fan, Jim spent his summers perfecting two great earthly passions: baseball and the Jersey Shore. Whether coaching from the sidelines, playing in local leagues, or mastering the beach-chair nap at Long Beach Island, Jim was happiest running the bases, snagging a fly ball, or breathing salt air while listening to a game on the radio at the beach with his family.

Jim was legendary for his fix-it-all prowess. A firm believer that no mechanical problem couldn't be solved with a heavy hand, hammer and some duct tape, his "repairs" actually worked—much to his family's and friends' amazement and awe.

But Jim's true superpower was his humor. He found the punchline in any situation and never met a stranger he couldn't make laugh. He knew exactly where the sun would set on the boardwalk, and he made sure everyone around him smiled.

He was the adored husband of Patricia (Matera) for 67 years and a devoted father to Mark and Jeff, to whom he taught everything he knew. In addition to his wife and sons, he is survived by his daughters-in-law Catherine and Christine, grandchildren Rose (and husband Andrew), Ange, Joseph, and Gian, sister Roselle Bachman, and countless beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held December 29 with visitation at Layton's Funeral Home (Forked River) followed by a mass at St. Mary's in Barnegat. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Jim's memory to Tunnels to Towers (www.t2t.org), which secures housing for homeless veterans

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