James E. Botti

James E. “Jim” Botti, 90, of Brighton Twp., passed away peacefully on December 22, 2023, at Heritage Valley Beaver.

Born May 7, 1933, in Uniontown, Pa, to the late Lewis and Mary Botti, Jim was a longtime and faithful member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Saints Peter and Paul Church. He was a 1951 graduate of Turtle Creek High School, and went on to attend and graduate from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1955, with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. He started his career at Rochester School District as a teacher and band director. He went on to co-found Brighton Music Center where he spent nearly 60 years dedicated to his life’s passion of music. Jim was also a proud United States Army Veteran.

Jim was a sports fanatic but was particularly fond of his beloved Pirates, always having faith in them when no one else did. But nothing made him happier than watching and coaching his kids and grandkids. He was their greatest cheerleader and their toughest coach, but also the proudest and most dedicated fan.

Jim was the life of the party and made friends anywhere he went. He was well known and respected within the community. But mostly he will be remembered for his love and compassion given to his family, as well as remembered fondly by his many former students for his larger-than-life lessons.

Along with his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his brother, Carmine Botti; and brother-in-law, Paul Caswell.

Jim will be sadly missed by his beloved wife of 68 years, Gwendolyn; his children and their spouses, Diane (David) McDonald, Mark (Bonnie) Botti, James (Christine) Botti, Gary (Kathy) Botti, Karen (Richard) Canello, and Nancy (Scott) Canty; grandchildren, Lindsay (Gene) Gamache, Shawn McDonald, Haley McDonald, Jocelyn (Greg) Mueller, Danielle (Jordan Stone) Botti, Clare (Connor) Nies, Grace (Zack) Waddell, Dominic (Kelli) Canello, Julia Canello, Benjamin (Hali) Canty, and Joshua Canty; seventeen great-grandchildren; brother, Bill (Penny) Botti; sister, Elizabeth Caswell; sister-in-law, Frances Botti; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

Jim’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to their special friends, Sam and Paula Walter, and Davey Spearing, for all the love and help given to Jim over the last few years.

Friends will be received on Wednesday December 27, 2023 from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm in the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, Pa 15009. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at 10am at Our Lady of the Valley, Saints Peter and Paul Church, 200 Third Street, Beaver, Pa, 15009. Full Obituary can be viewed at www.nollfuneral.com.

Interment to follow in Beaver Cemetery, with Full Military Rites.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be shared in Jim’s name to Pirates Charities, 115 Federal Street, Pittsburgh Pa 15212, or https://www.mlb.com/pirates/community/pirates-charities-donation.