James F. Avato

 James Avato, age 71, passed on March 20, 2026

Loving husband of Rebecca, devoted Father of Christopher (Lauren), Gregory, Michael (Chelsea), and “Pop” to Julianna, Alexandra, Lucas, Thomas, and Madelyn, and dedicated brother to Joan. Beloved brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend.

Born and raised in Philadelphia he was the devoted son of the late Frank and Lillian Avato. Jim was a graduate of Archbishop Ryan High School class of 1972 where he played soccer captaining his varsity team and threw the javelin for track. He was inducted into Ryan’s first soccer Hall of Fame class. Jim spent many years on the fields and courts of Torresdale boys club earning multiple most valuable player trophies and was their Boy of the Year in 1970. His athletic ability earned him a scholarship to play soccer at LaSalle College where he went on to earn degrees in accounting and finance in 1976 and later earned his MBA in 1978.

Jim spent many years building a successful career in the Philadelphia insurance community. He served in various production and leadership positions, ending his career as the Regional Vice President of Crum & Forster before moving on to provide consulting services in all facets of the industry.

He met the love of his life in Avalon in 1978 and married the following summer. Jim and Becky began a loving 46 year marriage, raising three wonderful sons. Much of their married life was spent coaching, cheering, and supporting the numerous athletic events of their sons then continuing with their talented grandchildren who were his pride and joy.

Their marriage enjoyed numerous good times and support through the hard ones, none more evident than in the last two weeks.

He shared a unique and special life-long relationship with his sister Joan, filled with humor and family traditions.

His love of sports, music, cooking, astronomy, and science fiction characterized a huge part of his life. A lifelong Philadelphia sports fan, he had a photographic memory, a quick wit and sense of humor and gravitas that filled and commanded every room he entered.

A summer home in Avalon provided the family with the joys of sun, sand, and memories that will last a lifetime.

He was incredibly competitive (sometimes to a fault), but his enduring being was of a loyal friend, a man with a huge heart, generous nature and steady guidance for anyone in need. He was patriotic to his core and more sentimental than he wanted anyone to know. His leadership ability was unmatched and unwavering both in the office and on the athletic field.

Family and friends are invited to his funeral mass on Friday, March 27 at:

Saint Mary Magdalen Church
2400 N. Providence Road
Media, PA 19063

Visiting hours are from 9:30a to 11a. Mass to follow at 11a. Interment will be private.

Donations may be made to: 
Drexel University Men’s Lacrosse team, https://drexeldragons.com/form/22J
Wood Platt scholarship fund Archbishop, https://plattscholar.org/donate/
Ryan High School scholarship fund, https://www.archbishopryan.com/apps/pages/Giving-4