James L. Esposito

YOUNGSTOWN - James L. Esposito, 87, passed away on November 9, 2026, at Windsor House at Omni Manor.

He was born on July 18, 1939, in Youngstown, the son of John and Rose Parella Esposito.

James will be remembered as a devoted family man, sharing a long and loving marriage with his wife, Paula D'Eramo Esposito, whom he married on August 4, 1962. Together they built a family that remained a central source of pride and joy in his life. For decades James operated the Pizza Oven and later, West Glenn Italian Eatery, both popular gathering places for locals, until his retirement in 2006.

In his youth, James enjoyed working at Idora Park and riding the Wildcat roller coaster. Gifted with athletic ability and a love of the game, James, a 1957 graduate of South High School, played minor league baseball for the Detroit Tigers. Later, motivated by his deep sense of duty and dedication, he served in the United States Navy during Operation Deep Freeze aboard the USS Edisto Icebreaker in Antarctica.

In his pastime, when not on the golf course with friends or family, James could be found enjoying bowling, playing trumpet or stand up bass, or at Sunday mass at St. Joseph's Church, where he was a founding member.

He is survived by his wife, Paula; his daughter, Christine (Robert) Sadinski, of Tallmadge; his son, James (Sharyn) Esposito, of Parker, Colorado; sister, Karin (Joseph) Campana, of Poland; and his brother, Jack (Sherry) Esposito, of Phoenix, Arizona. He also leaves his grandchildren, Robert (Chelsea) Sadinski, Leah Sadinski, Logan (Peyton) Esposito, and Cassidy (Tyler) Schmid, as well as his great-grandchildren, Calvin and Adelaide Sadinski.

The family would like to thank Stephanie from Comfort Keepers, the staff of 4500 at Mercy Health Medical Center and the staff at Omni Manor at Windsor house for their amazing care and compassion.

Family and friends may pay their respects during visitation on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44512. A prayer service will be held there at 12:15 p.m., followed by a Mass at 1:00 p.m. at St. Blaise Parish, St. Joseph Church, 4545 New Rd. Austintown, OH 44515.