James A. Bevilacqua, known as Jim or Jimmy, spent many years saving lives as a Winchendon firefighter and dive instructor. After dying on New Years Eve at the age of 64, his body will continue to potentially save lives.
Bevilacqua’s was stricken ill and died at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston on New Years Eve 2023, surrounded by loved ones and family, according to his obituary.
“His family made the selfless and courageous decision to allow Jim to live on in the lives of others, both literally and figuratively, through the gift of organ donation,” the obituary read.
Bevilacqua was born in Clinton and raised in Lancaster, graduating from Nashoba Regional High School in 1977. He spent 46 years working in the construction industry.
“Jim had a passion for building things, from making furniture and toys for his children and grandchildren, to residential and commercial buildings,” his obituary said.
A longtime resident of Winchendon who had recently moved to Royalston, Bevilacqua served on the Winchendon Fire Department for 15 years and on the Winchendon Dive Rescue Team for nearly 20 years, achieving divemaster status, his obituary said.
In an announcement on Facebook shortly after his death, the Winchendon Fire Department said he would be missed by many people in different ways.
“Jim’s love of the fire service combined wit his underwater skills made him a natural to train many area firefighters in ice and water rescue,” the department said. “Jim took great pleasure in helping others in this manner.”
Bevilacqua also was a member of the Fire & Iron Motorcycle Club, Station 857, and volunteered with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, his obituary said.
“When not working or giving of his time for the betterment of others, Jim could often be found outdoors, grilling and cooking for family, riding his Harley, scuba diving, boating, fishing and hunting,” his obituary said.
Bevilacqua leaves his wife, a son, a daughter, two grandchildren and three brothers. His sister, Diane P. Bevilacqua, died in 2022.
Bevilacqua’s friends and family will gather to remember his life on Saturday. There will be a funeral service at 12:30 p.m. in the McNally & Watson Funeral Home in Clinton and burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery in Lancaster. Calling hours will be held in the funeral home on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The Bevilacqua family asks that those wishing to make donations do so to the Winchendon Fire Department, 405 Central St. Winchendon, MA 01475.
