James A. Regan

Obituary of James A. Regan James A. Regan, 76, of Holley, died July 5, 2017 after a brief illness. He was born in Brocton, MA, one of seven brothers. He was a twin and the last to survive. His life’s path took him on several journeys. His father James E. Regan was his strength and guidance. Jim'sfirst job was a delivery boy on his bicycle for a drug store in Copley Square, Boston, MA. He also had a short lived job as a shoe salesman.
He worked on the locks on the St. Lawrence Seaway near Massena, NY. Later a cement finisher on the Niagara Power Project in Lewiston. He was a journeyman finisher by age 18. He helped build the Lady of Fatima Shrine in Lewiston while waiting for his acceptance into the New York State Police Academy. He served from 1962-1967, leaving to join his father in a family business of welding and fabricating. He learned to weld from a kind farmer in Geneseo before going to Boston. Jimloved the ocean and had a pleasure boat and two lobster boats, allowing him to experience the hardships of life as a lobsterman. On a chartered cruise, he caught a 675lb. Tuna along with his brother. It was a thrill of a lifetime. Jimkept his promise to his wife and moved her back to NY near family and a new job at Eastman Kodak for 18 years. Worried about lay-offs, he started a lobster business on the side. He rented a tank while he was building two of his own, with his sons Jim and Patrick, who were still living at home. A billboard sign on the front lawn “Live Maine Lobsters” got attention. The business grew to a Seafood Retail store and take-out restaurant for 10 years. He loved camping and fishing in the Adirondacks and deer hunting in the Southern Tier. His knowledge of history was outstanding. Battle grounds like Gettysburg were favorite vacations. Jimhas left his children a great legacy. James is survived by his wife of 55 years Rosanne (Bevilacqua), son, Joseph (Marcia) of Warsaw, daughter, Marie (Steve) Tisack of Sanborn, son James (Tina) of Pittsburgh, PA, daughter-in-law, Heather DeWolf of Holley, as well as several grandchildren. Jim's son Patrick passed in 2005 and will be waiting with open arms to welcome dad home. There are no prior calling hours. Jim’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday July 8th at 10:00am at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Holley. Interment will be held in Mt. Albion Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Orleans, P.O. Box 489, Albion, NY 14411 or to the Patrick Regan Memorial Scholarship Fund at any Key Bank in the area.