James L. Verrelli

James L. Verrelli, 91, of Yardley, PA, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Chandler Hall Hospice, surrounded by his loving family.

James was born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey, to the late Philomena (“Fannie”) and Luigi Verrelli. He was known and admired for his strong personality, no-nonsense approach to life, and his ever-present sense of humor.

Jim proudly served in the United States Army, a chapter of his life that meant a great deal to him. He later earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey) and dedicated more than 38 years to teaching high school in Hamilton Township, New Jersey, where he left a lasting impact on generations of students.

In addition to his career in education, Jim was a professional musician who played both the organ and accordion in numerous local bands. For decades, he performed as many as six nights a week, bringing music and joy to countless audiences throughout the region.

Jim also took great pride in his homes and was always working on improvements or repairs, firmly believing that almost anything could be accomplished with a do-it-yourself approach. Beyond teaching and music, he was an entrepreneur who bought, sold, and rented properties locally as well as in Ocean City, New Jersey.

Above all, Jim considered his family to be his greatest accomplishment.

He was predeceased by his siblings, Joseph, Victoria, Annie, and Jean. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Evelyn (Joachim) Verrelli. Together they raised three children: Lou Verrelli and his wife Tina of Devon, PA; Kim Heath and her husband Rocky of Bradenton, FL; and Jim Verrelli, Jr. and his fiancée Jennifer Ritter of Yardley, PA.

He is also survived by his sister, Rose Kent of Columbus, NJ; his grandchildren, Sam, Lauren, Courtney, Erik, and Kirsten; and five great-grandchildren who brought him immense joy. Jim also leaves behind many extended relatives and dear friends he made throughout his life.

Services will be private. James will be laid to rest at St. Mary Cemetery in Trenton, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which supports families of fallen September 11 first responders, at https://t2t.org/donate/.

Arrangements are under the direction of the J. Allen Hooper Funeral Chapel, Morrisville, PA.

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