James A. Polando Sr., 83, of Swansea, MA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 1, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of the late James V. and Gertrude (Zelmore) Polando and the devoted husband of Anissa M. (Jamiel) Polando, with whom he shared fifty-eight wonderful years of marriage.

Born and raised in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, Jim was a graduate of North Union High School, where he was a football athlete. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly serving his country during the Cuban Missile Crisis as part of the Navy blockade. He was stationed in Boston and Newport, where he met the love of his life, his wife Anissa. Following his military service, Jim settled in Warren and Swansea, where he remained a longtime resident.

Jim spent many years working in construction for several contractors and proudly built his own home, a source of great pride throughout his life. In his free time, he found great joy on the water, was an avid boater and fisherman and was a longtime member of the former Bristol County Striper Club. He found a close-knit group of friends who shared his passion for fishing, and together they made years of unforgettable memories. A passionate Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Jim rarely missed an opportunity to watch them play. To those who knew and loved him, he was known by many names—Jim, Big Jim, or Uncle Jim—each one spoken with affection and familiarity. Jim was known to be tough and no-nonsense, yet those closest to him knew he had a big heart and showed his care through constant presence, loyalty, and quiet acts of love. Above all else, he was a deeply devoted husband whose greatest joy was his wife, Anissa, to whom he gave unwavering love, support, and companionship throughout their life together. He was a loving and dedicated father, grandfather, and uncle who treasured time spent with his family.

In addition to his beloved wife Anissa, James is survived by his sons, James A. Polando Jr. and his wife Kellie of Barrington, RI, and Todd Polando and his wife Monica of Uxbridge, MA; his daughter, Anissa “Nina” Vozikis and her husband John of Boylston, MA; his four grandchildren, Todd Jr., Faith, Sydney, and Jack; his niece, Deborah Yackel and her husband Raymond; and his nephew, Vincent A. Vicites and his wife Kelly. He was the brother of the late Dolores Vicites.

Arrangements are entrusted to Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Rd., Warren, RI 02885. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. A Funeral Service will take place on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 9:00 to 10:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at St. Mary of the Bay Parish, 645 Main St., Warren, RI 02885. Burial will be held at a later date.