James F. McAleer

James F. McAleer (81) died peacefully of a sudden illness at The Miriam Hospital on January 5, 2025, with his beloved wife of 56 years, Diane, and his devoted son, Steven, by his side. He fought valiantly through a long, slow progression of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) before succumbing to a rare form of sepsis. Jim was a graduate of LaSalle Academy '61, Providence College '65, and Boston College Law School '68. He enjoyed a long, distinguished legal career until illness gradually robbed him of his ability to practice.

In addition to his wife, Diane Lillis McAleer, and his son Steven Lapham McAleer, Esq. (Sarah Johnson McAleer, M.D.) and Charlotte Ostberg McAleer, widow of his deceased son, Patrick Owens McAleer, Esq. Jim had four adoring grandchildren: Thomas (19), and Dana (16) of NH and Ella (17) and Nicholas (14) of MA. They were his pride and joy. Also surviving are his sister, Sheila McAleer Middleton (Jim Middleton) of TX and brothers John E. McAleer (Beverly) of MA and Francis P. McAleer (Leda Michaud) of RI. HIs brother, Joseph T. McAleer (Maureen) of MA predeceased him.  Jim's large extended family includes many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, and his brothers-in-law, Bernard F. Lillis (Palma) of NJ and Robert P. Lillis (Carole) of NY, who was Jim's frequent partner in mischief, especially on camping trips to the Adirondack Mountains. Jim was very proud of his family and was deeply pained by the loss of his son Patrick in 2018, who was an accomplished sailor and maritime attorney.

From an early age Jim was a natural with tools of which he owned many and which he used daily throughout his life. He was often seen in one of his Dickie suits puttering around his property, helping out a neighbor or shopping in one of many home improvement stores. In addition to his handyman skills Jim was skilled at caring for flowering plants and growing delicious herbs for Diane. This past year because of the long, warm fall Jim was still able to harvest parsley, oregano and rosemary right into early December. These activities and others such cooking on the grill helped Jim stay orientated and focused even as his cognitive skills declined.

Jim was active in many civic and religious organizations throughout the decades. He was a true patriot, who served as a US Army Intelligence Officer (Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal) with distinction during the Vietnam War era. He served as the Director of Common Cause, was an original founder of the Genesis Community, was an Affiliated Christian Brother (the highest honor of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools), and held many positions in parent groups at his sons' schools.

Jim's family would like to thank all of those who cared for Jim including his many doctors, physician's assistants, the wonderful staff at The Miriam Hospital, and Concord Home Health and Wellness Services, especially Crystal Skalak, Jim's wound care nurse and case manager for more than three years. The family would also like to thank Providence Fire and Rescue for their patience and professionalism throughout the years and Advocare Senior Living for their assistance with appointments and especially Jim's shopping sprees. Jim additionally had a cadre of loyal friends from the neighborhood and community, schools he attended, the Genesis Community, his career, especially his law school roommates, who stepped up to support him in difficult times. Diane and Steve will be eternally grateful for their boundless care and efforts.

A Memorial Service for Jim including visitation at 12:00, a short Celebration of Life program at 12:30 and social sharing to follow will take place at the Marriott Providence Downtown, 1 Orms St., Providence, RI. on Saturday, January 18. Committal at the Rhode Island Veteran's Cemetery will be private.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to LaSalle Academy at https://lasalle-academy.myschoolapp.com/page/give-now, or to the Alzheimer's Association Rhode Island at https://www.alz.org/ri, or to the charity of your choice. www.rebellofuneralhomes.com

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