James W. Mayer

JAMES W. MAYER, SR., (“Jim”) age 82, passed from this life on March 5, 2016,           Cherished and devoted husband of the late Audrey T. Mayer (nee Zielinski); beloved father of the Rev. James W. Mayer, Jr., O.de M., (Parochial Vicar of St. Rocco Parish), and Lt. John S. Mayer, CFD (Colette, nee Bonnell); loving grandfather of Bret M. Mayer and Andrea “Andi” L. Mayer; dearest son of the late William and Elizabeth Mayer (nee Mueller); dearest nephew of the late Cecilia Mueller; dearest uncle, cousin and friend of many. Jim attended Parmadale Orphanage for Boys from 1939-48: a place which Jim often recalled some of his happiest memories. It was at Parmadale that he learned to play the Baritone Horn and the Val Trombone in 1st Grade. His musical talent in the band earned him a full scholarship to Saint Ignatius High School, 1948-52, and then opened for him the opportunity to attend John Carroll University 1952-56. It was during his college years that Jim began working at the old HIGBEES on Public Square and during the summer he worked at the Cleveland Asphalt Company. Jim taught in the Cleveland Public School System from 1956-59. In 1959, he began working for the City of Cleveland in the Housing Department until his retirement in March of 1996. It was while working at the Housing Department, that Jim met his future wife and “the love of his life,” Audrey. They were married on November 26, 1964. Jim was a devoted and dedicated husband, father and provider for his family. Jim was immensely proud of the accomplishments of his sons and grandchildren. In the late 1960’s Jim was very involved at Blessed Sacrament Parish as a Lector, Commentator and Cantor at the Sunday Masses. Jim was active in the Holy Name Society at Blessed Sacrament; the Knights of Columbus; a supporter of the Blue Army; member of the Mercede Society and a member of the Mercedarian Friar’s Third Order. Jim was also a very generous blood donor and supported many solid Catholic and Pro-Life non-profits. For most of his life, Jim was a daily Mass attendee. He was involved in the St. Rocco PTU and the RENEWAL program. Jim was best known and remembered for being “the” Lector at the 7:30 am Sunday Mass at St. Rocco since 1990 - a Ministry he faithfully fulfilled every Sunday, until his health began to fail in May, 2015. At Jim’s request, the family suggests contributions in his memory to St. Rocco Catholic Church in thanksgiving for the welcome that the Mayer Family received from St. Rocco Parish in 1970 in the person of the late Fr. Andrew Costanzo, O.de M. Mass of Christian Burial St. Rocco Catholic Church, 3205 Fulton Rd., Cleveland, Friday, March 11, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Internment Calvary Cemetery. Friends received at RIPEPI FUNERAL HOME, 5762 PEARL RD. (AT SNOW RD.), THURSDAY 3-7 P.M. With a closing prayer at 7 p.m.