By DONALD WITTKOWSKI
Sea Isle City is mourning the death of James R. Iannone, who became a political leader, realtor and businessman after his family made the resort town their home in the 1950s.
Iannone, 73, died Monday at home surrounded by his wife, Barbara, and his three daughters, according to his obituary by the Godfrey Funeral Home.
Mayor Leonard Desiderio ordered that all city flags be flown at half-staff this week in honor of Iannone.
Desiderio paid tribute to Iannone during Tuesday’s City Council meeting, calling him a deeply committed community leader who loved Sea Isle as much as anyone.
“Jim was the best of the best. He was a military veteran, having served his country as a member of the United States Army. Nobody cared more about Sea Isle City than Jim. He was always ready and willing to help anyone with any problem,” Desiderio said while extending his condolences to Iannone’s family.
City Council President William Kehner also expressed his sympathy to the Iannone family on behalf of the governing body.
Desiderio recalled that Iannone served as one of his early political mentors and he continued to rely on his counsel and friendship throughout the years.
Before Sea Isle switched to the mayor-Council form of government in 2007, Iannone served as a city commissioner for 22 years. He was first elected in 1985.
Born May 28, 1947, Iannone entered politics in 1976 as a Democratic committee member as well as the chairman of the Cape May County Democratic organization.
After his election as commissioner, he variously oversaw Sea Isle’s departments of Public Works, Revenue and Finance and Public Safety. In addition, he served as the director of Recreation and Tourism for Sea Isle, according to his obituary.
He was instrumental in establishing the Sea Isle City Tourism Commission and the Friends of Tourism. He initiated the sale and project development of the Sea Isle City Marina and Excursion Park.
Iannone also served as vice chairman of the board of directors at the South Jersey Transportation Authority and went on to become the agency’s executive director before retiring in 2006.
Born in Orange, N.J., Iannone moved to Sea Isle with his family in 1955. After his service in the Army, he took over the family business, the Sands Department Store, and also began his longstanding career in politics and as a realtor for Freda Real Estate.
In addition to Barbara, his wife of 47 years, survivors include his daughters, Dana (wife of Duffy Hanna of Pittsburgh, Pa.), Alexa (wife of Jerry Stefan of Gladwyne, Pa.) and Erica (wife of Casey McDonald of Phoenixville, Pa.) and ten grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his parents, Matthew and Emma Iannone, and his brother, Matthew. He is survived by his siblings Lewis, Marisa, Joseph, Alexander, Arthur and Robert.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private viewing will be held with immediate family only. A veteran’s burial service will also be private.
A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sea Isle. COVID-19 restrictions will be enforced at the Mass. A livestream of the service will begin at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sea Isle City Recreation Department. For condolences to the family, visit www.godfreyfuneralhome.com.
