James Joseph Cistola, 72, of Winter Garden, FL and formerly of Pennsylvania and New York, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus, after a short illness.

James was born to Lawrence and Johanna Cistola, the youngest of four children and grew up in Harrison, NY. During his childhood he was fondly known as ‘J.J.’ and ‘Jamey’. According to his Facebook profile, he was a graduate of the University of Life.

In his late teens, James traveled through Europe on a motorcycle and would eventually return to his love of riding during his retirement years. Moving to the Catskill Mountains he co-owned J.J.’s Pizzeria while also volunteering as an EMT/Fire Fighter. He was a lifelong musician with eclectic musical tastes and had many hobbies including: skiing, golf, deep sea scuba diving and remote-control helicopters, among many others. In the late eighties, James moved to the Philadelphia suburbs where he was a member of the local Carpenters & Joiners Union of America, until his retirement. After which, he re-located to Florida and rode his Harley Davidson on various rides and cross-country trips but his favorite thing was riding to Disney World on a weekly basis visiting the parks with family and friends. James will be remembered for his uncanny ability to fix things, his sarcastic wit and snark but especially his willingness to lend a helping hand.

James is preceded in death by both of his parents as well as his niece, Rebecca. He is survived by siblings, Brian, Francine and Janis; sister-in-law, Maria; nieces and nephews Christopher, Michelle (Matt), Justin, Alexis (Jimmy) and Tyler (Beth); stepson Eric (Mayra) and family; great nephews, Gabriel and Sebastian; his beloved Pelliccia and Morabito cousins, as well as many life-long friends.

A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date for friends and family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts and donations to the Cornerstone Hospice Foundation by visiting www.cornerstonehospicefoundation.org/ways-to-give

James's funeral arrangements are in the caring guidance of Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremation, 1132 E Plant Street, Winter Garden FL 34787.