Community Reacts to Vigilante's Death, Funeral Set for Friday

After the shocking news of James Vigilante's death this past Sunday, many in the community have reminisced and reflected on him as a person. Vigilante died Sunday morning from a heart attack at the age of 49 and he was a U.S. Air Force Reserves Master Sgt., Morris County Republican Committee member and former Parsippany Town Councilman.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Liturgy of Christian Burial to be offered at 11 a.m. on Friday at Saint Peter the Apostle R.C. Church at 179 Baldwin Road, Parsippany and his cremation will be private, according to Par Troy Funeral Home.

Those who worked alongside him at township hall called it a terrible loss and remembered him for his big heart, sense of humor, his love for his birds and his passion for motorcycles. 

There has been an outpouring in the community about his unfortunate death and on Vigilante's last Facebook post, there are almost 200 comments as of Thursday night. 

Some comments are short and sweet just saying 'Rest in Peace Jimmy' while others are longer and sentimental, such as Suzy Kiall Benedetto's comment: 

"Still can't believe it - I have to believe that seeing you on Friday 11/9 was not an accident - prior to that it has been a few years, you sat at our table and lit up like a Xmas tree talking about the bahama trip with your daughter - always smiling and lending a hand - just an all around great guy - so glad we had a couple of laughs with you, but so sad that they were the last - prayers to your family - definitely a great loss - I know you are in a great place riding without a helmet and smiling!!"

On Parsippany Patch's Facebook page, there have also been many comments and memories about Vigilante: 

• Jewel Burns "I remember him as a kind and good friend. He came to see my very sick husband. And stood by his bed and held his hand-they talked,mostly jimmy, for some time he even made my husband smile. That meant so much to me"
• Michele Kuntz Jennrich "Jimmy was one of the nicest and most generous men I have ever known and proud to call a friend. From our early days sitting next to each other on the Parsippany zoning board to the packages we sent him while overseas not only for him but the school supplies he requested for a school the soldiers were supporting. On a personal level many years ago when I lost an election I went into my regular local salon to have my nails done I went to pay only to be told Jimmy had stopped in and paid for me. That is the kind of thoughtful man he was. I recently moved out of Parsippany but wish I was there now just to be around people and share in this tragedy. He will be truly missed."
• Carol Bates "Jimmy loved people, Parsippany and this great country. He'd was ready to give his life for the USA by volunteering to go to Afghanistan. He served our community in so many ways. He was a great neighbor and always checked to see if there was anything we needed. He will be missed and always remembered fondly."
• Jeffrey S Brown "Sorry to hear of his passing. I was lucky to serve with Jimmy on the zoning board. He loved Parsippany, and was always looking out for the little guy wanting to do the right thing for them."
• Leanne Dolan "Very sad. So young. Rest in peace."

• Marc Luciani "A big Teddy Bear. RIP James. Thank you for your service to this country."
• Lorrie Cancillieri "My husband and I just recently got to meet and know Jim while attending all the Waterview council meetings, and speaking with each other at the meetings. He just gave me his business card last summer and said if I ever needed anything to give him a call. Still have it in my wallet! Such a nice, personable, down to earth guy. And then finding out about his service overseas recently. From all that to THIS??? Just unbelievable, in shock, beyond words. UNbelievable. What a surprise, now you're in heaven, Jim. I just feel so sick about this. May God take you home, bless you.
• Nicholas Robert Homyak "James really seemed to care about the land and the community. just shook his hand at the post election Town Council meeting where he lead all there in the pledge of allegiance to begin it all."
• CONCETTA BARNISH "He will be well missed. He was a good man and served his country well He is with our Lord Jesus Christ now. Prayers go out to his family."

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