James "Armo" Armatas' Obituary
James “Armo” Armatas, of Fayetteville, passed away on September 15, 2023, at Upstate University Hospital with his sons, sister and family by his side.
Jim, affectionately known as Dad, Nouno, Jimmy, Armo and a Bulldog For Life was loved for both his sense of humor and caring heart. He was an avid and loyal sports fan as evidenced by his unyielding dedication to the Pittsburgh Steelers, LA Dodgers and Syracuse Orange. He was proud to share the love of these teams with his son, Gerry. He showed his sports ability and dedication to youth through coaching many teams from his sons’ Pop Warner teams to the girls’ basketball team and GOYA at church. Jim also enjoyed cooking and passed this on to his son, George. Together they loved to cook and plan meals, including the Easter Sunday lamb. Jim enjoyed so much about life and was living his best life at the family lake house these past few years where he would often share a post of his favorite cigar and playlists. In his honor, many of his friends lit a cigar for him after he passed.
Jim graduated from Morrisville College. He worked for many years in the food service business including New York Food Brokers and Armour Swift. Calling on this experience, Jim fulfilled his dream to own his own business, the Dewittshire Tavern, where everything he served to his regular clients and the LeMoyne community came delivered with his big smile and a good one liner.
His greatest accomplishment in life were his sons George and Gerry, who brought him so much pride and joy. From watching Jeopardy every night with George to traveling to see the Steelers play annually with Gerry, Jim cherished the time and memories they created together. He loved them with all his heart.
Jim is predeceased by his parents, George and Joyce Armatas, his brother, George Andrew Armatas and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He is survived by his sons, George, and Gerry, both at home; his sister, Stephanie Armatas of Jamesville; his aunts Ann Arvan of Syracuse and Tasoula Armatas of Lefkada, Greece. Jim is also survived by Bob Weismore, who he loved like a brother, and his sons’ mother, Patricia Robinson. Jim leaves behind many relatives in the United States, Greece, Argentina and Canada, and countless friends who loved him deeply including his Nottingham Bulldog for Life friends who remained close all these years.
Funeral services in celebration of Jim’s life will take place at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, September 22, 2023, in St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church, 325 Waring Rd. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at the Thomas J. Pirro Jr. Funeral Home, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse.
Donations may be made to St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church, 325 Waring Road, Syracuse, NY 13224.
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