James V. Esposito, 92, of North High Street, East Haven, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 6, 2012 at the Branford Hills Health Care Center with his devoted son Jimmy by his side. He was the husband of the late Ann Cusano Esposito. Born in New Haven on July 26, 1920; son of the late Anthony and Mary Vollano Esposito. Jim worked for the former Mory’s Restaurant in New Haven; ran several country clubs in the area and in 1959 became the owner and operator of the Foxon Country House(now the Country House Restaurant) East Haven which was also a very popular nightclub on the weekends. During that time Jim introduced and managed many local musical talents, some of which later entertained in Las Vegas. In the early 1960’s, Jim was a Connecticut representative of the Flamingo Hilton of Las Vegas; at that time he ran numerous monthly junkets for many, many people throughout the state. In the 1970’s he also became a representative of Caesar’s Palace in Atlantic City where he also ran numerous junkets. Throughout his illustrious Las Vegas career, Jim rubbed elbows with many great entertainers such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Lucille Ball and Fats Domino just to mention a few. One of his best friends, who could have passed for his twin brother was the late Buddy Hackett. Beloved father of James A. Esposito, Ricky Esposito, Marina and Francesca. Uncle of Olivia Quiello. Also survived by two very special people, Renee Richardson and her son Jack; many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by many brothers and sisters. James was a loving father and a great friend to many, he will truly be missed.
His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Monday morning at 9:15. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of Pompeii Church at 9:30. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. The visiting hours will be Sunday from 3 to 5 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Branford Hills Health Care Center Memorial Trust Fund, 189 Alps Rd., Branford, CT 06405.
Goodby “Daddy” I’m sure your the life of the party in heaven!
My thoughts and prayers are with the Esposito family at this difficult time.I am a drummer and have played hundreds of functions at the Foxon Country House,now nown as The Country House Restaurant with my former bands Copyright,The Heritage Band and The Spectacles. I always enjoyed working there.
Mr.Esposito,his son Jimmy and all the staff were very easy to work with.Jim Sr.always had a smile on his face and a joke for you.He will be sadly missed.
Rest in peace and may the lord welcome you with open arms.Amen
Jim was a great man and will be miss, to Jime Jr my through and prayers are with you, Fred…
Jimmy was one of a kind, always with a project in mind and a way to make things work. Lesson learned from Jimmy was even if you don’t have a kitchen, you can still open for lunch. (Mad Russian days). My prayers are with his son, Jimmy and the family, may he R.I.P. he needed a break. Time can never take away a memory.
Many good memories.
Daddy u have given me and many others so many good memories. There is one other like u. You have impacted my life for the better. I will always have you in my heart. Thanks for the memories. Love love you.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Jimmy’s family and friends. He was truly a great man. I am blessed to have known him and to have taken care of him for the past year. RIP Jim I will miss you alot Branford Hills won’t be the same without you.
You will be greatly missed by all. To Jimmy Jr. so very sorry for your loss my prayers and thought are with you and your family God bless
A great man and friend to all. A great father to his children. He always had a smile and a helping hand. His daily quote to live by “Start each day with a smile, even though things go wrong”. He will be missed but his memory will love on with many whom he has touched.