James W. Lilly

11/07/2002

James W. Lilly, 77, of 31 River St., Pepperell, an attorney and North Adams native, died Thursday at the Life Care Center of Acton. He had been a resident of Pepperell since 1971. He was a former executive director of the North Adams Redevelopment Authority and assistant public defender for Northern Berkshire County. Born on March 4, 1925, son of James M. Lilly, former mayor of North Adams, and Helen Lannon Lilly, he was a 1942 graduate of the former St. Joseph's High School. He also graduated from Fordham University in New York City and received his law degree in 1951 from Boston University Law School. A Navy veteran of World War II, he served in the European and Pacific theaters as a first lieutenant. Mr. Lilly was head of the fiduciary department for the Massachusetts Tax Commission, retiring in 1995. He practiced law in North Adams for 18 years before moving to Pepperell. He also had served as legal counsel for the Redevelopment Authority for several years and as a public administrator for Berkshire County, and had taught a business and law course at the former North Adams State College. While in North Adams, he was a communicant of St. Francis' Church. He was a member of Frank R. Stiles Post 125 American Legion, where he was a former commander, and a past president and member of the Rotary Club. He also served as chairman of the city's Republican Committee and as a corporator of Hoosac Bank. His wife, the former Iris Cavazza, died Aug. 5, 1966. He leaves a brother, the Rev. Robert M. Lilly, a Maryknoll missionary at the Catholic Martyrs' Shrine in Yon Pung, Korea, and his companion, Norma Wilton of Pepperell. A son, James Clement "J.C." Lilly, died June 11, 1995. FUNERAL NOTICE -- Services for attorney James William Lilly will take place Wednesday at 9:15 at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS, Central Chapels, 74 Marshall St., followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 at St. Francis of Assisi Church with his brother, the Rev. Robert M. Lilly, MM, as celebrant. Burial will follow with military honors in Southview Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home will be Tuesday from 4 to 7. He was predeceased by a son, James Clement "J.C." Lilly, who died June 11, 1995. Survivors include his companion, Norma Wilton of Pepperell.

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