Retired New Haven Fire Dept. Lieutenant James M. Blakeslee, 51, of North Branford, passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2019. He was the husband of Eva Foti Blakeslee. James was born in New Haven on December 13, 1967 and was the son of Richard T. and Susan Pieper Blakeslee. He was a graduate of Wilbur Cross High School. James was a firefighter for the New Haven Fire Department for many years until retiring as a Lieutenant. He loved fishing, crossword puzzles, playing golf, was an excellent softball player and played hockey in his younger days. Father of James M. Blakeslee, Jr. and Madison O. Blakeslee. Brother of Jean Blakeslee-Walsh (Sean), Richard T. Blakeslee, Jr., Nancy E. Catalano and Robert P. Blakeslee Uncle of Suzan Sanchez, Scott Bialczak, Jr. and Carly Blakeslee. Great uncle of Penelope Grace Sanchez.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian burial in Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish at St. Francis Church, 397 Ferry Street, New Haven on Thursday morning, June 13th at 11:00. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. There will be no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 860 Howard Avenue, New Haven, CT 06519.
My deepest condolences to you for loss. Jimmy was a good soul. He will be missed.
Eva and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Send prayers your way
Eva, Jimmy & Madison,
Our condolences on the passing of your husband and father.
Our hope is for you to find comfort in fond memories during this difficult time.
Rest Easy Jim
Sorry to hear of your loss from my sister Joanie. Never knew him, but he was evidently a terrific man.
George (old friend of Dickie and Sue)
Sorry for Jimbo’s passing. I have great memories of Jim growing up on Norwood Road. He was a gifted athlete and fisherman. I used to get so mad inside when we went fishing as a group of us kids to Farmington river or grand avenue bridge, and Jim and Paul would always outfish us.