Obituary of James L. McNamara

James Lester McNamara (Mac), age 81, beloved husband of Barbara Ann Mattes McNamara of Seymour, passed away on June 19, 2023 at Griffin Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Born in Derby on February 18, 1942, he was the son of the late Mary (Mae) Alschuck McNamara.

Mr. McNamara enlisted in the U.S. Army on February 24, 1959.  He had many jobs including working at BF Goodrich, CT Department of Corrections, New Haven County Sheriff and a custodian at Seymour High School after retirement.  He was a member of the Blue Knights, the VFW, Shriners, the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction and the Seymour Land Trust.  He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, always hardworking and providing for his family.

Besides enjoying time with family and friends, he enjoyed the outdoors, including kayaking, fishing, hunting and putzing around his yard, but his passion was traveling. He was most at ease on the back of his motorcycle, traveling the roads of the U.S. and Canada. Those who knew him and loved him know . . . he loved nothing more than a good, heated debate!  He was a respected member of the A.A. community after forty years of sobriety. The love he shared and the values he instilled, will forever be held close by those who loved him.

In addition to his loving wife Barbara McNamara of 55 years, he is survived by his devoted daughters; Shari McNamara and her wife, Alison Stephens, and Shawna DelVecchio and her husband, Frankie DelVecchio; cherished grandchildren, Joshua, Noah Watson and Angelina and Gabriella DelVecchio; loving sister, Gail McNamara; and brother, William (Bill) McNamara. He was predeceased by a brother, Thomas McNamara.

The family will conduct a private celebration of his life.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.  The Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Avenue, Ansonia is in care of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.