James M. Stolberg, Sr.

HOLDEN - James M. Stolberg, 62, beloved husband of Andrea M. (Fairbanks) Stolberg, passed away in his sleep at his Holden home on Saturday, February 04, 2023.

Known to many as Jimmy and most recently Papa, Jim was a fiercely proud family man who devoted his life to his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family.

Born and raised in Worcester, Jim was the youngest son of the late John and Elizabeth (McDonald) Stolberg. After graduating from Burncoat High School, he went on to pursue a career in the culinary arts and earned a degree from Johnson & Wales University. Jim would become a renowned executive chef in South Florida and later in Central Massachusetts.

Despite his immense culinary talent and his professional success, Jim's passion in life was raising his three sons Jim Jr., Eric, and Joe, together with his wife Andrea. Later in life, this passion would extend to Ben, Eric Jr., Charlie, and Adeline, his four treasured grandchildren, as well as his two dogs Lola and Chubby.

Jim was a dedicated Boston sports fan and lover of music. As a young man, he played hockey and became an avid golfer. In retirement, Jim enjoyed summers on Cape Cod where he would fish, boat, and enjoy the outdoors. Jim also really enjoyed spending time with his many lifelong friends, most of whom he had known since grade school in Worcester. Known by all as a kindhearted gentle giant, Jim cherished most his relationships with family and friends.

He will be forever missed and remembered by his wife of 36 years, Andrea; his three sons, James Stolberg Jr, Eric Stolberg; Joseph Stolberg; his four grandchildren, Benjamin, Eric Jr, Charles and Adeline; his two daughter in-laws, Amanda Stolberg and Brittany Stolberg; his three sisters, Margaret Venditti and her husband Paul Venditti, Ina Gadient and her husband Sandford Gadient, Susan Holmes and her husband Henry Holmes; his brother Paul Stolberg; his sister in-laws, Susette Stolberg and Judy Stolberg, as well as many adored nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his three siblings, John Stolberg, Stephen Stolberg, and Mary Stolberg.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family from 5:00pm to 8:00pm on Thursday, February 9th at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00am on Friday, February 10th at St George Church, 40 Brattle Street, Worcester. A burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue, Paxton.

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