James "Jim" Intravaia

James (Jim) Intravaia, age 94, of Tavares Florida, passed away on January 21, 2023.  He was born on March 13, 1929 in Chicago Illinois.  He was the third son of the late Girolamo and Angelina (DiCarlo) Intravaia. After the death of his father, when Jim was only 2, his mother moved the family to Santa Flavia, Sicily, Italy.  He grew up there during World War II and as a teen worked for the US Navy in Palermo, Italy.  At 16, his mother sent all 3 brothers back to America for a better life.  With a brother signing a consent form, Jim joined the US Army when he was 17. He served with a Military Police unit in Austria, but spent a portion of the time as an assistant cook, learning that trade. 

After his discharge from the Army, Jim moved to Chicago, Illinois.  There he met the love of his life, Esther Parenti, and they were married June 3, 1950. Jim and Esther had 2 children, Linda and Tom. Jim worked a number of jobs and trades to support his young family, but the majority of his working career was as Executive Chef and Restaurant Manager for Inland Steel Corporation.

Upon retirement in 1995, Jim and Esther moved to The Villages when the development was in its infancy.  They enjoyed Villages living and made lots of valuable friends.  Jim especially enjoyed fishing, golf, and hunting for bargains. 

After 27 years in The Villages, Jim and Esther moved to Tavares, FL, to be closer to their daughter Linda.

Jim is survived by his wife of 73 years, Esther.  A daughter, Linda (Jim) Pasco of Tavares, FL, and son, Tom (Sue) Intravaia of Park Ridge, IL. He leaves a half-sister Rosalie Arena-Hitechew of Las Vegas, NV, three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

A celebration of life may be held at the convenience of the family.  Arrangements have been entrusted with Countryside Funeral Home. Interment will be at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.