James R. Astrella,86, of Holden, died peacefully Wednesday September 30, 2015 in the Vibra Hospital of Western MA. His wife of over 50 years Ann Marie (Spillane)Astrella died in 2011. James is survived by a brother Nicholas Astrella and his wife Irene, a sister Dolores Rossetti and her husband John. He also leaves several close members of the Spillane and Saucier families, and many nephews, and nieces. He was predeceased by three brothers; Frank, Andrew, and Rocco Astrella, and four sisters; Anne Ducharme, Phyllis Vacca, Josephine Evangelista, and Victoria Giumentaro-Gonya. James was born in Worcester son of the late James "Vincenzo" and Josephine (Vinzi) Astrella and lived in Holden for many years. He was a graduate of Commerce High School, and attended Suffolk University. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War as a member of the 759th MP regiment and also the MP Intelligence Unit. He was stationed in Berlin Germany. James worked in the Supply and Procurement Department for the United States Postal Service in Worcester for many years before he retired. James and Ann Marie attended St. Johns Church for many years before she passed. He was a 4th Degree Member of the Bishop O' Reilly Assembly, and a 3rd Degree member of the Alhambra Council Knights of Columbus. James enjoyed a good round of Golf, he was an excellent player. He enjoyed being with his family at the many family gatherings and cookouts. He will be sadly missed. The funeral for James will be held on Wednesday October 7, from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 370 Plantation St. with a Mass of Christian burial at 11:00AM in the Church of St John, 44 Temple St. Calling hours in the funeral home will be held on Tuesday from 4PM to 7PM. Entombment will be in St. Johns Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project P. O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. To leave a message of condolence for the family or share a special memory of James please visit his memorial site at mercadantefuneral.com