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AUSTINTOWN -- James E. Polish, 86, died peacefully Thursday evening, Jan. 22, 2026, at Hospice of the Valley Hospice House.
James was born March 3, 1939, in Coitsville, to Joseph and Mary Scaglione Polish.
He was a 1956 graduate of Austintown Fitch High School. James worked at Youngstown Steel Door for 19 years and then as a custodian in the Austintown Local Schools until his retirement.
James was a true family man. He was the most loving and devoted son, husband, father, grandfather (papa), great-grandfather and uncle, with his three daughters being his greatest pride and joy.
James celebrated 62 years of marriage this past Sept. 28, married to the former Dolores Osso.
He always enjoyed spending time with his immediate and extended family and friends. He was great in the kitchen, having learned many skills growing up on the farm. He helped his wife not only as a sous chef but also prepared his own creative meals that he was so proud to share. Betting on horse races and playing slot machines were his favorite pastimes, and he made many acquaintances over the years at Waterford Park or Mountaineer Racetrack and at Hollywood Gaming in Austintown. He could be found upstairs studying his racing forms in the off-track betting area in his regular seat that others knew of and respectfully gave up to him when they saw him coming.
He is survived by his wife, Dolores Polish; daughters, Joan (Donald) Jones of Austintown, Judy (Willi) Colbert of Salem and Janet Polish (fiance, Mark Cole) of Austintown; sister, Helen Letscher of New Kensington, Pa.; three grandchildren; and five great-granddaughters.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Polish; brothers, John Polish and Louis Polish; and sisters, Rose Angelo and Jean Pochiro.
There will be funeral services 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, 4303 Mahoning Ave.
Family and friends may call 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, and 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, at the funeral home.
The family would like to thank the staff at Hospice of the Valley Hospice House for the exceptional care and compassion given to James.
Visit www.higgins-reardon.com to send condolences.
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