James E. Polish

There will be funeral services on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 11 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, for James E. Polish, 86, of Austintown, who died peacefully Thursday evening at Mercy Health Hospice of the Valley Hospice House.

James was born March 3, 1939, in Coitsville, OH, to Joseph and Mary (Scaglione) Polish.

He was a 1956 graduate of Austintown Fitch High School. James worked at Youngstown Steel Door for 19 years and then as a custodian in the Austintown Local Schools until his retirement.

James was a true family man. He was the most loving and devoted son, husband, father, grandfather (papa), great-grandfather, and uncle, with his three daughters being his greatest pride and joy.

James celebrated 62 years of marriage this past September 28th, married to the former Dolores Osso.

He always enjoyed spending time with his immediate and extended family and friends. He was great in the kitchen, having learned many skills growing up on the farm. He helped his wife not only as a sous chef, but also prepared his own creative meals that he was so proud to share. Betting on horse races and playing slot machines were his favorite pastimes and he made many acquaintances over the years at Waterford Park or Mountaineer Racetrack and at Hollywood Gaming in Austintown. He could be found upstairs studying his racing forms in the off-track betting area in his regular seat that others knew of and respectfully gave up to him when they saw him coming.

He is survived by his wife, Dolores Polish and daughters, Joan (Donald) Jones of Austintown, Judy (Willi) Colbert of Salem, and Janet Polish (fiance Mark Cole) of Austintown; sister, Helen Letscher of New Kensington, Pa.; 3 grandchildren; and 5 great-granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Polish; brothers, John Polish and Louis Polish; sisters, Rose Angelo and Jean Pochiro.

Family and friends may call on Tuesday, January 27th from 3 to 6p.m. and Wednesday, from 10 to 11a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, 4303 Mahoning Ave.

The family would like to thank the staff at Mercy Health Hospice of the Valley Hospice House for exceptional care and compassion given to James.

Visit www.higgins-reardon.com to send condolences.