James D’Arrigo
Funeral Service: March 24, 2026 1:00 PM
Cemetery: Wellwood Cemetery
1500 Wellwood Avenue,
Farmingdale, NY 11735
Notes:
Rest in peace, dad. Your love and generosity towards your family knew no bounds.
James D’Arrigo, of Melville and formerly Oceanside, NY, passed on March 22nd after telling his last story to his daughters, Jen and Dana. He was 87.
Beloved husband of the late Enid, son of the late Nunzio and Sylvia.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, he famously served as the Lunchroom Major of James Madison High School, class of 1956, and received his Bachelors degree in Pharmacy from the Brooklyn College of Pharmacy in 1960.
A self-described “dinosaur” he worked for the same company, Eli Lilly, as a pharmaceutical salesman for over 40 years. Known as the “Shark,” he earned a 100% coverage rate for his products at the NYC and LI hospitals that he covered. He loved sales, but loved the people more, plying them with bagel platters and regaling them with stories.
An avid collector of art and pipes, he eventually retired to the Greens in Melville and Valencia Grand in Boynton Beach, FL with Enid, so they could spend their time entertaining and spoiling their grandchildren, Jake, Mason and Nikki.
In addition to his grandchildren, he is survived by his fellow art enthusiast daughter Jennifer Zuckerman (and her husband Brian of Haverstraw, NY) and his favorite story listener Dana Frankel (and her husband David of Melville).
On Tuesday, March 24th, a private graveside service will be followed by Shiva, from 2:30 to 8:00pm, at the family home, 267 Altessa Boulevard, Melville, NY 11747.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.