James Joseph Brightney's Obituary
James Joseph Brightney, 94, a resident of Boxford and a former lifelong resident of North Andover, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his wife and children, on Friday, July 22, 2022.
He was born on Thursday, April 26, 1928, in North Andover, to John and Margaret (Thompson) Brightney. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1946, served on the U.S.S. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and was honorably discharged on January 22, 1948. After discharge, he met Patricia M. Roy of Lawrence, whom he married in December of 1948, and he loved entirely and never parted from in this life.
James worked at MIT, and the Town of Andover, retiring as the Andover Director of Municipal Maintenance in 1997. James was a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus.
James is survived by his children Justine M. Brightney, Sharon E. Croteau, husband Robert, Brian J. Brightney, Laura J. Brightney, Craig A. Brightney, James K. Brightney, and wife Nancy.
James is also survived by grandchildren Michael Croteau and wife Stacy, Alicia Croteau Pusateri and her husband Lt. Cmdr. D.O. Chad Pusateri, Matthew Melanson and wife Jennifer, Kathryn Brightney and James J. Brightney.
James leaves several great-grandchildren: Isabella and Austin Melanson, Addie and Violet Croteau, and Ella and Ivy Pusateri. James is also survived by nieces and nephews, Eileen and Mark Asoian, and Michael, James, Robert, and David Fatheree.
James was predeceased by his beloved Uncle James Breheney, his brother John Brightney and sisters Mary Fatheree and Agnes Asoian Currie.
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary Church, 94 Andover St. Georgetown, MA, 01833. Burial will follow at the Ridgewood Cemetery, 177 Salem St. North Andover, MA.
Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, July 29, 2022, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home Inc., 35 Merrimack Street, North Andover, MA. 01845.
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