Dr. James S. Tavolario 1943-2023

Doc was born Jan. 20, 1943, in Youngstown, the son of Vincent and Mary Bassett Tavolario.

He grew up on the east side of Youngstown and graduated from East High School in 1961, where he was president of his class and a member of the National Honor Society.

Doc attended YSU and graduated from Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland. Upon graduation, he served as the administrator of the Foot Clinic of Youngstown, then opened his private practice in Warren. He later opened a practice with Dr. Gene Pusatery and Dr. Phillip Balmenti on McGuffey Road, in the building that was once his parents’ pizza and frozen custard business.

He loved his Italian heritage and was proud to be a member of the Wolves Club of Youngstown, where he served as president. He was also a member of the Eastern Academy of the Ohio Foot and Ankle Medical Association; the YSU Penguin Club, where he served as president and emeritus board member; and was a first-degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Doc was a true and dedicated fan of the 49ers and YSU sports. He was an avid racquetball player and cherished playing the game with his friends.

Doc is survived by his wife of 47 years, the former Mary Ann Brown, whom he married at St. Dominic Church; a brother, Vincent (Jean) Tavolario of Butler, Pa.; brother-in-law, Thomas J. Brown of Rockwell, Texas; and many wonderful nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Besides his parents, Doc was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Lou Cambert, and Joanne Smaldino.

Family and friends may pay their respects 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, and again from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave., Boardman, followed by an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Family Church, Poland.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made, in Doc’s name, to the Dr. James and Mary Ann Tavolario Scholarship through the YSU Foundation, 655 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44502; the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018; or Sanctuary Hospice, 6715 Tippecanoe Road, Suite B-101, Canfield, OH 44406.

Family and friends are encouraged to offer prayers for the family and support via phone call, text, email or may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com.

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