James Joseph Lanzilotta

James Joseph Lanzilotta, 66, of Cape Coral, Florida unexpectedly passed away, November 16, 2021. He was born October 2, 1955 in Mineola, New York to the late Louise Toscano Lanzilotta and the late George J. Lanzilotta.

Jim attended Mineola High School, where he played baseball and graduated in 1973.

Jim met Gina Spatafora, fell in love, and married in 1979. Together, they had three beautiful children – Diane, Bryan and Melissa. In 1989, Jim and Gina decided to move their family to Florida.

He began his career with the City of Cape Coral in the Public Works Department in 1992 and retired in 2016 after 24 years of service.

Once retired, Jim didn’t slow down. He spent his free time enjoying photography, building and flying his remote-controlled planes, as well as building miniature model train sets.

Jim loved all sports, especially baseball, where he coached young athletes and teaching the “old school way” of baseball at Koza-Saladino Park. His greatest joy was watching the kids have fun enjoying the game. He continued teaching, coaching and volunteering, well after his own children were grown, even coaching his grandchildren through the program. In 2018, the Koza-Saladino Board of Directors named Little League Field #4 the “Jim Lanzilotta Field”, in honor of his dedication to teaching and coaching young athletes.

Most important to Jim was his family. He loved spending time with them; especially watching his grandchildren play sports and traveling with them to theme parks.

Jim is survived by his wife Gina of 42 years; daughter Diane and her son Isaac; his son Bryan and wife, Missy, their children Rocco and Cullen; and his youngest daughter Melissa. He is also survived by his sister, Denise Cosgrove (Gary), his aunt Marion Fitzpatrick, Rachel and Salvatore Lanzilotta, Jean Lanzilotta and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Jim was a loving, caring and dedicated husband, father and grandfather and will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

A visitation for James will be held Tuesday, November 23, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM followed by a 6:30 PM funeral service at Coral Ridge Funeral Home & Cemetery, 950 Chiquita Blvd. S, Cape Coral, FL 33991.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Tim Heart Scholarship Foundation, 2524 SW 30th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL 33914.