1985 - 2026
Born in Rochester, NY, James was the beloved son of Patti and Ralph “Doug” Sabatino of Medway and Westerly, Rhode Island. When he was 11 years old, his family moved to Medway from Reading, PA, where he would grow up surrounded by strong family ties and lifelong friendships.
James pursued higher education at Norwich University before graduating from UMass Lowell in 2009 with a degree in mechanical engineering. During his school years, he was an accomplished athlete, playing football in high school and college, and discovering a love for rugby at UMass Lowell, a sport that matched his strength, discipline, and competitive spirit.
With his father always by his side, James enjoyed scouting and earned the rank of Eagle Scout, an achievement that reflected his determination, leadership, and commitment to service. He also earned a black belt in karate, another testament to his perseverance and drive.
James had a lifelong love of animals, a bond that felt instinctive and natural to him. One of the roles he cherished most was working with the camels and elephants at Southwick’s Zoo, where his patience and gentle presence stood out. He was a true animal whisperer, connecting with animals in a way that felt almost effortless.
Gifted with mechanical intuition, James could fix nearly anything. He especially loved working on and modifying his cars and motorcycles, always searching for ways to refine and improve them. His adventurous spirit showed itself early through riding roller coasters at Hershey Park, and later evolved into a passion for adrenaline-filled pursuits including sky diving, bungee jumping, climbing waterfalls, spelunking, and ocean fishing. Known for his witty and sarcastic sense of humor, James had a way of keeping people laughing, often when they least expected it.
Above all else, James deeply loved his family. He held family holidays and traditions close to his heart and treasured time spent with those he loved most.
In addition to his parents, James is survived by his sister, Emily Burkart, her husband Ryan, and their son Connor. He also leaves behind his aunts and uncles: John Ferrie and Gail Riina, Josephine Ferrie, Catherine and Bill Doyle, Sue and Bud Makevich, Gail and Norman Jefferson, and Adele and Lee Bittner, along with many beloved cousins who will miss him dearly.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main Street, Westerly, RI. A service will follow at 12:15 p.m. in the funeral home, with burial at Riverbend Cemetery in Westerly.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in James’s memory to Wolf Hollow – North American Wolf Foundation in Ipswich, Massachusetts:
https://www.wolfhollowipswich.org/
