Obituary of James R. Del Signore

James R. "Jim" Del Signore, 90 of Cortlandville, passed away on June 5, 2016 at Walden Place with his loving family by his side. He was born on November 19, 1925 in McKeesport, PA a son of the late Cosmo and Anna Ficorilli Del Signore. Jim began his college career at Michigan State College in 1943. As a member of the Naval ROTC, he also studied at Cornell University, the University of Maryland, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While in college Jim played football, at one point playing for the hall of fame coach Bear Bryant. When the war ended Jim went back to Cornell University under the GI Bill and received a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, and while there, lettered in both football and swimming. Jim worked for Carrier Corporation in Syracuse for over forty years retiring in 1987. Jim loved the game of football and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He loved art, especially drawing and drafting. He also loved building model airplanes. He was a do it yourself kind of man, enjoyed working in the yard, could fix anything, loved to build cabinets, dressers and even put additions on his house. Jim is survived by two sons, Alan and Cynthia Del Signore, Cortland, James and Catherine Del Signore II, Trumansburg, one daughter, Cindy and Todd Davenport, Virgil, one son-in-law Mark Lamb, Canastota, three step sons, Dean Whittles, Syracuse, David Whittles, Mt. Marion, Daniel and Margaret Whittles, Baldwinsville, one step daughter Diane and Jerry Cassalia, Camillus, five grandchildren, five great grandchildren, eight step grandchildren, several step great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife the former Georgianna Compton, his second wife the former Marilyn Whittles, a daughter Sue Ann Lamb, and nine brothers and sisters. Calling hours will be Thursday, June 9 from 4-7 PM at Wright-Beard Funeral Home, Inc. 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland. A mass of Christian burial will be Friday, June 10, 10 AM at St Rose of Lima Church, 409 S. Main St., North Syracuse, NY burial will follow in North Syracuse Cemetery, North Syracuse, NY. Memorial contributions in Jim's name may be made to the Salvation Army, 138 Main St, Cortland, NY 13045.