James (Jim) Todaro, 69, beloved husband of Joanne Todaro, died peacefully on Thursday, November 30, 2023, surrounded by loving family at his home in Higganum, Connecticut.

Born in Ivoryton, CT, he was a 1972 graduate of Valley Regional High School and a 1983 graduate of Central Connecticut State University. He was a licensed certified public accountant and a financial director for Aetna in Hartford for more than 30 years. He took pride in his job and worked with many wonderful people over his career.

But most of all, he loved his family, and they in turn adored how close and loving he was as a husband, dad and grandfather. He first met his wife, Joanne, while she was a nursing student. Through their 46 years of marriage, they were best friends. They did everything together, and especially enjoyed golfing, bike riding and vacations. They built a house together in Higganum, where they raised their two daughters.

A nurturing father, he coached his daughters' youth sports teams and led their church youth group. He loved family time and cherished family vacations and holiday traditions. As a grandpa, he was often on the floor, playing with the kids and splashing around with them in the backyard pool. He was a man who appreciated simple joys, from Ruffles potato chips to taking everyone's ice cream orders to handing out gifts from under the tree every Christmas.

He joined the Catholic church this year by completing the sacraments after attending St. Peter Church in Higganum for more than 35 years.

In addition to his beloved wife Joanne, he is survived by daughters, Jessica (Pete) Sanderson of Hartford and Jeanna (Andy) McCann of Bethel; his five grandchildren, Noah and Josh Sanderson, Haylie, Hannah and Connor McCann; his mother, Marguerite Todaro of Ivoryton; his brother, Dave (Ruth) Todaro of Niantic; two brothers-in-laws, Michael (Katie) Schackner of South Windsor, and Bill (Cristina) Schackner of Pittsburgh, Pa. and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Joe Todaro.

A Funeral Liturgy will be held Saturday, December 9th at Saint Peter Church, Higganum. Burial will be held at Saint Sebatian Cemetery, Rockfall.  Friends may call at Biega Funeral Home 3 Silver Street, Middletown, on Friday, December 8th from 5 to 7 p.m.  Memorial contributions may be sent to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. at www.pancan.com.