Dr. James J. Lavelle

Dr. James J. Lavelle reposed on Friday, July 3, 2026. Born on August 10, 1944 at the Ashland State General Hospital, he was raised in Centralia, Pennsylvania and was the son of Edward F. and Mary C. (Monaghan) Lavelle. He was educated at Saint Ignatius Grade School, Centralia, Catholic High School, Mount Carmel and earned degrees from Bloomsburg State College (1969), Trenton State College (1973), and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (1984). After completing his Doctorate, his post doctorate joy of learning inspired his Master's in Theology (Cum Laude) in 2005 at Holy Apostles College and Seminary of Cromwell, Connecticut.

He taught in the secondary schools of Bristol Township, Pennsylvania and at several colleges and universities, the most recent being Misericordia University, Dallas, Pennsylvania where he taught Theology. He imbued his students with a love of learning. He taught by example, by inspiration, and by encouragement. His interest in his students was not confined to academics but also to their overall well-being. While placing great value on traditional methods of teaching, he was never afraid to embrace change. Indeed, he was instrumental in acquiring and implementing many new additions to the curriculum. He was highly regarded by the educational community; his help was always forthcoming and his advice was valued.

He was active in civic, labor, and political matters. He held several union positions and was the last Tenth Ward Commissioner of Bristol Township, Pennsylvania. He had dual national status; he was a citizen of the United States of America and the Republic of Ireland.

He is survived by his brother, Rev. Monsignor Edward R. Lavelle, S.T.L. of the Diocese of Harrisburg.

Funeral arrangements were privately held under the direction of the Joseph J. Stutz, Inc. Funeral Home, Mount Carmel, Joseph J. Stutz III, Supervisor. He was buried in the family plot in his beloved Centralia where he lies with kith and kin. Donations, in his name, may be made to the Saint Ignatius Cemetery Fund in care of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 47 South Market Street, Mount Carmel, PA 17851. To offer condolences to Dr. Lavelle’s family, please sign the guestbook below.