James Vincent Sabella, Sr. was born on July 4, 1944, in New York City to Charles Sabella and Liboria Sclafani. A husband, father, and grandfather, he married Phyllis Fahlbusch, with whom he built a family, raising three children: James Sabella Jr., Susan Sabella, and Charles Sabella. In 1988, he welcomed his only grandchild, Barbara Sabella.Jim was a hardworking and dedicated man, taking pride in his various roles throughout life, including furniture sales, management, plumbing, real estate sales, and handyman work. He was even the proprietor of his own kitchen and bathroom store in Port Washington that he ran alongside his wife in the 1970s and early 1980s. He worked right up until the last few months of his life, mostly doing plumbing work – which is quite amazing for an 80 year old man that was battling cancer!He also found joy in the boating community, serving as the commodore of the Westport Boat Club for several years. He was very popular and well respected among the community. Above all, he was known for his kindness, generosity, and the laughter he brought to those around him.He loved fishing, boating, beaches, old cars, antiques, tools, slot machines and doing home improvement projects. Later in life he discovered his love for YouTube.He was a big 50’s and 60’s music enthusiast. With Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons and The Beach Boys being among his favorites. He would pass that love of music to his children and grandchild as they were growing up by constantly playing his cassettes on car trips and taking the entire family to see these artists perform at Westbury Music Festival.He taught his love of home improvement and auto repair to his sons. They would often bond (and occasionally fight) over doing projects together – which included fully restoring a 1923 Model T Ford and several boats – as well as countless projects around the home.He loved family get togethers and would often host large, extended family parties at his homes on Long Island. The surviving family members still enjoy watching the video tapes of these events to this day.James passed away on February 9, 2025 in Bayonet Point Hospital in Port Richey, Florida after fighting courageously against cancer for 4 years with his granddaughter and daughter by his side.He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He is now reunited with his parents, brother Frank and sister Mary eternally.He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, customers and community and forever remembered for his warm heart, willingness to help others, and the joy and laughter he spread to family and friends.Please join us in celebrating his life at Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home in Holiday, FL, on Saturday, February 15, at 2:00 PM.Visitation: 2:00 – 3:00 PMService: 3:00 – 3:30 PMFollowing the family’s words, we invite you to share your own memories of Jim as we honor his remarkable life together.
Claudia Milano
February 13, 2025, 1:41 pm
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. He touched my heart and will truly be missed. Rest with the Angels, Pops.
Alice Lima
February 13, 2025, 2:38 pm
I met Pops last year at his 80th birthday party at Sue’s house. He welcomed me with open arms and later that day told me that I was one of the family. He was a very special person that made you feel loved and would help you if you needed it. He would not just say the words. He meant it. I will miss Pops but I know he is truly in heaven happy with family and friends. He told me he would say hello to my daughter (Victoria). who died in October and tell her I miss her. I am so glad I got to see this remarkable man that touched so many lives!! Fly with the Angels, Pops!!
Hank karnstedt
February 13, 2025, 4:51 pm
I met Jim in 2014 in Westport from his daughter sue. I needed work and he got me that. He was a great man and I considered him a friend. Jim knew a man that had jobs for me. Jim also did work for that man. I did the job the man never paid me for the work I did and I really needed that money I told Jim and he gave me the money the man owed me. That being said that was the kind of man Jim was he always tried to help out people. He always worked hard and loved his family and friends. I will never forget Jim may he’s memory be eternal.
VINCENT SCLAFANI
February 13, 2025, 6:37 pm
Jim was my first cousin. He was 14 years older than me. Growing up I thougt he was my uncle. Jim was always kind, gentle, and a laid back nice guy. I never once saw him get angry or lose his poise. When ever I need that kind of control Ill think of you. You will forever be in my thoughts. Say hello to everyone for me.
Anne Lawrence Ielpi
February 13, 2025, 9:06 pm
I met Jim many many years ago when I was 15. He was dating my sister at the time. We became good friends. Hanging out at the Sweet Shop, two walls, parties in the basement of his father’s Fish Store. He was the best man at my wedding. We remained friends when he & Phyllis moved to Florida. Thru the years my ex & I spend many vacations in Westport with them on their boat, fishing. Jim was a true gentleman & will be missed. Rest in Peace Jim❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
AnnMarie Mascetti
February 14, 2025, 1:29 pm
Although I was young, I still carry with me fond memories of gathering at Uncle Jimmy’s house for the holidays. I remember feeding the ducks he had in the back yard, sitting around the table learning to play poker with the grownups, and sleeping in the morning after Christmas from getting to stay up late.
💔 Rest in peace Uncle Jimmy 💕🪽
Jack & Michele Smith
February 15, 2025, 4:51 pm
This is very sad to hear. Jim was one of the good guys. We met him when we moved to the Westport subdivision in Port Richey FL. He always had a smile & was so giving of his time & his expert help. He offered his help when we were remodeling our kitchen & we were so grateful. Weekends were spent with him & many of our other neighborhood friends jetskiing thru our bayou & out to the island in the Gulf. The day seemed to always end up by his pool with pizza or some really good Italian food. He always had a smile & his gentle nature will be one of the things we’ll always remember about him. He will definitely be kissed by us & many who had the privilege of knowing him. 😇 RIP Jim
Jack & Michele Smith
Susan Sabella-Marsh
February 16, 2025, 6:30 am
Pop’s service was yesterday, to all the people who gave their condolences here and who came to pay their respects to Pop I thank you.
My Father loved you all and this past week was a testament of his great works in this lifetime.
So many people came to see him and many spoke about his kindness, generosity and love.
My Father was the kindest, sweetest man. Even though he’s made some missteps, there was no shadow of a doubt his good side was stronger than his not-so-good one.
I’m forever grateful to be the daughter of someone who has taught kindness and compassion for others.