Obituary of James Alfred Joseph Raccosta

James Raccosta James Alfred Joseph Raccosta was born on January 12, 1999, and passed away into new life, peacefully surrounded by his family, on January 10, 2025. James was named after his father, James J. Raccosta, and his two grandfathers, Alfred P. Raccosta and Joseph M. Valeri, Sr. James embodied all three men, by offering to the world a silent strength and courage, and a foundation for family. James' name means "Protected One," or "God Chosen," or a more current variation "One who inspires individuals to embrace their challenges with courage and faith." James did this his entire life from beginning to end with a warrior's strength and the eyes of an angel. Some would think that James had a hard life, or they could see on the surface his limitations and ailments, but James brought, to his family and every person that met his acquaintance, more insight and peace than any other hero. James had a profound voice and yet only uttered a few "real" words. James' courage and teaching ability was solely through his eyes, his expressions, his smile and his laughter. James grew up in Lawrenceville, NJ with his parents, Jim and MaryAnn Raccosta, and his two loving siblings, Gabrielle and Sam. This family unit grew and learned so much from James' life, often chaotic and critical, as James navigated most departments at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "Sweet Baby James" began his teaching at the age of four-days old, up to the very last minutes of his life at 26 years minus two days. As a survivor of liver transplant(s) and an extremely rare metabolic disorder, James taught hundreds of brilliant physicians and nurses to think unconventionally and to be more compassionate healthcare providers. James' laughter was contagious. He loved watching his videos and the bright art of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Winnie the Pooh's Grand Adventures. James loved music, especially Jimmy Buffet, and had a love for the Philadelphia sport teams. He enjoyed the commotion of the Eagles football games and cheered wildly in the stands as all Philadelphia Phillies fans do. James loved trees, the mountains, and birds, and simply having his family around him, and he provided extra smiles when his MomMom, Claire Raccosta, would sing to him. James attended Mercer County Special Services School from early intervention through high school up to the age of 21, and there he grew and learned to express himself more fully through the love and support of a tremendous teaching team. James was cared for lovingly through many years by a team of wonderful, caring nurses and the management of Bayada Nursing in Lawrenceville. James' life was a pure blessing, and he will forever be in our hearts. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 1:00pm at The Church of Saint Ann, 1253 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville NJ 08648. Calling hours for family and friends will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the FitzGerald-Sommer Funeral Home 17 S. Delaware Avenue Yardley, PA 19067. There will be no calling hours on Friday. To carry on James' legacy of love, in lieu of flowers, please make donations in James' honor to The Liver Transplant Department or The Biochemical Genetic/Metabolic Department at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Or to The Gift of Life; Or to The Gift of Life Howie's House in Philadelphia. "If ever there is a tomorrow when we're not together… there is something you must always remember: You are Braver than you believe. Stronger than you seem, and Smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart… I'll always be with you." - Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * And from James to all of his family: "AH" "OH" "EW"