James P Lewis, Sr.

Mr. James P. Lewis, age 85, longtime resident of Milford, beloved husband of Jean Ann (Topitzer) Lewis, entered into eternal rest on Friday, March 4, 2016 in Trumbull, CT.  James Lewis was born on February 7, 1931 in Bridgeport, CT and was the son of the late Otha Lewis and Elizabeth Johnson Lewis. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and served during the Korean Conflict aboard the ship, the USS Saipan.  James was the Executive Director of Research, Projects and Grants at Columbia University for 30 years before his retirement.  Prior to that, he worked at Yale University.  He was a member of many organizations at Columbia, including the Twenty Five Club, the National Council of University Research Administration, and COGR - Council of Government Relations, where he held leadership positions, gave talks and wrote publications that were shared with other universities.  He had a great love for New York City and became familiar with all aspects of the city, especially enjoying the art museums and the restaurants.  Despite his love of New York, James was an avid Red Sox fan for his entire life, finally enjoying their World Series wins in the 2000's!  He could be seen riding his bike nearly every day throughout the streets of Milford until he was 80 years old. He loved the ocean and lived on or near the beach most of his life, with homes in Milford and Cape Cod, Mass.  He loved kayaking and sailing.  In addition, James enjoyed photography and painting. He also had a great love for music, from classic rock to classical music, and opera. Although James had many interests and a very successful career, nothing gave him more joy than his family. He was a proud and loving father to his four children. He also treasured and was adored by his eleven grandchildren. In addition to his devoted wife of 55 years, Jean, he leaves four beloved children. He leaves a son, James P. Lewis, Jr. and his wife, Mary Eckenrode of Roswell, GA, three daughters, Mary DiBenedetto and her husband, David of Orange, Emily Kowalski and her husband, Jarett of Milford, and Susan Domizio and her husband, Stephen of Fairfield. He also leaves 11 cherished grandchildren, Gabriella, Alexandra, and Joseph DiBenedetto, Nicholas, Benjamin, Olivia and Victoria Kowalski, James and Sean Lewis, and Christopher and Timothy Domizio. He leaves a brother, Charles Lewis of Branford, and a sister, Janet Lyon of Cape Cod, Mass. His brother Kenneth Lewis and his sister, Shirley Halcott predeceased him. Family and friends may call on Friday, March 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a funeral service to follow at 1 p.m. at the Gregory F. Doyle Funeral Home, 291 Bridgeport Avenue, Milford. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association. To share a memory online, please visit www.gregoryfdoylefuneralhome.com

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