James E. Ribeiro, age 67, of Woburn formerly of Somerville passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family, Friday, August 19, 2022. He was the loving companion for 30 years of Karen Spinosa. James is also survived by his loving children, Jimmy Ribeiro of Medford, Ronnie Ribeiro of Lexington, Gina and her husband Peter Bratton of Medford, and his son from a previous marriage, James Tongen of Montana. Born in Somerville he was one of six sons of the late Gilbert and Florence (Otis) Ribeiro. He was the brother of Robert Ribeiro and his partner Kevin Moore of Boston, Ronald Ribeiro and his partner Gianna Poirier of Leominster, Richard Ribeiro and his wife Donna of Somerville and the late Steven and Gilbert Ribeiro. He is further survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
James was raised and educated in Somerville and was a 1973 graduate of Somerville High School. James went on to proudly serve in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War era serving overseas for four years in Japan. He also proudly served in the Air National Guard of Massachusetts for 25 years and retired from the armed forces with over 33 years of service attaining the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. James served as a Somerville police Officer for ten years from 1985 to 1995 and most recently worked as a dispatcher for National Grid for over ten years.
When not working, James enjoyed oil painting, listening to music, tinkering around and fixing things in need of repair. He was very talented and liked to work with his hands. However, his greatest joy was his family and he cherished spending time with them and his many dear friends. He also loved animals especially his granddog Leroy.
Funeral services will be held from the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., Woburn Friday, August 26th, at 9:45 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass celebrated in St. Joseph Church 264 Washington St., Somerville, at 11 a.m. and concluding with Military Honors. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours at the Funeral Home will be held on Thursday, from 3 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Veterans charity of your choice.