Lovello, James A.

Description

 

Early Life

James Anthony Lovello (Lovallo) was born on October 6, 1893, in Port Chester, New York, during a period when nearby Rye was transitioning from a rural community into a mixed working-class and estate-based economy. He was the son of Marie Lovello and grew up in a working-class Italian-American household, part of a broader wave of immigration that contributed to the labor force supporting Westchester County’s estates and infrastructure.

Lovello lived his entire life in Port Chester, residing at 22 Beach Street in early adulthood and later at 138 Oak Street. He entered the workforce at a young age and was employed as an automobile operator by Harry Billington in Rye at the time of his 1917 draft registration. His work as a mechanic and chauffeur placed him within the service economy that supported prominent local families.

He was single and supported his mother and two younger brothers under the age of twelve. He was described as medium height with a stout build, brown eyes, and brown hair.

World War I Service

Lovello enlisted in the United States Army on November 21, 1917, at Fort Slocum, New York, a major training and mobilization center during World War I. He served in the 391st Motor Truck Company, a transportation unit responsible for moving supplies, equipment, and personnel’an essential logistical function supporting Army operations.

He was promoted to Corporal on January 16, 1918. His service was primarily based in Texas, where large training and logistical operations were conducted to prepare forces for deployment overseas. He did not serve overseas and was not engaged in combat.

Lovello sustained no wounds or injuries during his service. He was honorably discharged on April 4, 1919, with no disability noted, having contributed to the war effort through critical transportation and support operations.

Life After Service

After returning to Port Chester, Lovello resumed his work as an automobile mechanic and chauffeur, continuing to serve prominent families in Rye and Port Chester. He was widely known for his genial personality and was extremely popular within the community.

He was a member of Father John M. Grady Council No. 503, Knights of Columbus, and Court Volta, Foresters of America, reflecting his strong ties to his faith and community.

In early 1929, Lovello suffered an attack of pneumonia that left him bedridden for six weeks. After appearing to recover, he experienced a relapse and, weakened by his prolonged illness, was unable to overcome the second attack. He died at his home at 138 Oak Street on April 5, 1929, at the age of thirty-five.

He was survived by his mother, Mrs. Marie Lovello; four brothers, Dominick Lovello, William Lovello, Nicholas Lovello, and Angelo Lovello, all of Port Chester; and five sisters: Mrs. Dominick Padullo of Port Chester, Mrs. Oliveria Romanelio of Waterbury, Mrs. Frank Polletti of Waterbury, Mrs. Joseph Telesco of Newark, and Mrs. Dominick Motriano of East Port Chester.

Funeral services were held at the Church of the Holy Rosary in Port Chester, with interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery on Ridge Street.