James R. Berardelli

James R. Berardelli of East Norriton passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on June 17, 2022. Born on July 28, 1943, in Norristown, PA, he was the son of the late William J. and Dorothea (Quinn) Berardelli, and the loving husband of Concetta (Connie) (Sorgini) Berardelli.

A 1961 graduate of Norristown Area High School (NAHS), Jim played JV and Varsity soccer as goalie, and proudly represented his school as the NAHS Mascot, the Norristown Eagle. During his years at NAHS, he was the Varsity Baseball Manager, served on the Junior and Senior Prom Committee, and was the Banking Officer for his Class. Jim continued his education, earning an associate’s degree from Montgomery County Community College and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Temple University. Jim began his career as a Construction Estimator at Ridge Homes, and later joined the family businesses at Berardelli Pool Service and Mermaid Lake Swim and Golf Club. He was a long time member of the Penn Jersey Pool & Spa Association as well as the North East Spa & Pool Association where he attended over 25 years of trade shows & education classes regularly.

Jim was a dedicated volunteer within his community. As a polio survivor, he was an alumnus of the Variety Club (known today as "Variety, The Children's Charity") and remained an active supporter of this non-profit organization. He was honored by the Variety Club in the late 1990s with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his accomplishments in overcoming the challenges his disabilities presented. Jim always had a 'can do' positive attitude and never let his challenges stand in the way of participating in all life had to offer. The Variety Club played a steadfast role in teaching him that with hard work and perseverance there wasn’t any obstacle he could not overcome. 

Jim carried forward his passion for helping children as a coach with Biddy Basketball at the YMCA, and CYO Girls Volleyball at St. Titus. Jim was an active member of Holy Saviour Church in Norristown, where he and his wife, Connie, were part of the original founding Pre-Cana team. Prior to Holy Saviour, Jim was a member of St. Titus Church, where he served as President and School Board Member of the Parent School Association. Jim is most remembered for his involvement as the Head of the NAHS Class of 1961 Reunion Committee. 

Jim was a loyal fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies. Throughout the years, he competed in many Facenda Whitaker Bowling Leagues, and participated in several Men's softball leagues in the Norristown and Conshohocken area. He was a devoted fan of his grandchildren’s sporting careers in baseball, soccer, softball, basketball, field hockey and ballet/dance. Always with a big and contagious smile on his face, Jim was adored by his wife and daughters, and will forever be remembered for his big heart, his family devotion, his love of food, and his infamous Sunday car adventures with his girls, always reassuring them "We're not lost. I know exactly where we are going!"

In addition to his wife Connie, James is survived by his three daughters: Lisa (David) Silvestre, Gina Berardelli, Amy (Joe Sr.) Rullo; four grandchildren, Dr. Heather Taylor-Strauss (Rafael), Joseph Rullo Jr., Savannah Silvestre, and Michael James Rullo; and two great grandchildren, Lyle Strauss and Finley Strauss; and his brother, Robert (Carol) Berardelli; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, William Berardelli Jr. and David Berardelli. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the viewing for Jim, on Friday, June 24, 2022, at Holy Saviour Church, 407 E. Main Street, Norristown, PA, from 8:30 AM to 9:45 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 AM. Interment will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery Mausoleum, Dekalb Pike, East Norriton, PA. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim's honor to "Variety, The Children's Charity," 2950 Potshop Road, P.O. Box 609, Worcester, PA 19490. Funeral arrangements are in the care of the Volpe Funeral Home.

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