Mr. James A. Polcari

September 10, 1960 - November 26, 2016

James A. Polcari Loving Husband, Father, Son, Brother, and Uncle Athlete, Humanitarian, and Child Advocate LOWELL—James Anthony “Jim” Polcari, the beloved husband of Mealea Chan-Polcari and a Belvidere resident, passes away on Saturday, November 26, 2016, following a valiant fight with lung cancer. He was the devoted father of Ethan Chan-Polcari, an eighth grade student and Connie Chan-Polcari, a seventh grade student at the Immaculate Conception School. James was born in Somerville on September 10, 1960, a son of Anthony Polcari of Melrose who survives him, and the late Claire (McCarthy) Polcari. He attended Melrose Schools and was a graduate of Melrose High School, Class of 1978. Jim went on to graduate from the University of Lowell ’82 with a degree in Engineering. He later received a J.D. Degree from the New England School of Law. Jim also studied at the Paulist Bros. Seminary in Washington, DC for two years. Jim was passionate about his career as an attorney specializing in Special Education Advocacy and Juvenile Law. For Jim, it was a labor of love being a voice for those who didn’t have one. Jim was a real life “Super Hero”, athlete, and human being. He brought passion into everything he loved, especially in his family, and also running, rowing, tennis, sailing, hiking, and skiing. His enthusiasm for life was marked by a deep concern for others, especially those who couldn’t advocate or speak for themselves. Jim was an awesome Dad. He was devoted to Ethan and Connie and was always there for them. He was a big part of their life as a Baseball Coach at Shedd Park, a Hockey Coach for Lowell Youth Hockey, and Connie’s biggest fan with her swimming, basketball games and volleyball games. They also enjoyed riding their bikes along the Merrimack River. He was the one that always took them to Church. The warmth and generosity of all those who knew him and loved him, over the course of his life, sustained him in his final days. Their support is a testimony to his enduring nature and his family will be forever grateful to so many devoted friends. Jim is survived by his wife Mealea, his son Ethan, and his daughter Connie, all of Lowell; his father Anthony Polcari of Melrose; his sisters, Linda Biles of Andover, Donna Polcari on N. Andover, and Carol Dickerson and her husband Dr. James Dickerson of Windham, NH; his brother, John Polcari of Bradford; his sisters-in-law and brother-in-law Chakry, Matinal, Matinol, Bopha, and Greg; thirteen nieces and nephews, Matt, Aaron, Grace, Kaleigh, Erin, Caroline, Olivia, Matthew, Julianne, Jennifer, Jaclyn, Joseph, and Anthony. Jim also leaves so many dear friends from every facet of his life, far too many to mention by name, but know how special you were to him and how much he valued your friendship. Jim’s family would like to thank the Doctors, Nurses, and Medical Staff at Dana Farber Cancer Center in Boston, Lowell General Hospital’s Cancer Center, and Dr. Mark Romanowsky for the care and compassion they showed him throughout his illness. They will be forever grateful. FUNERAL NOTICE POLCARI—In Lowell, November 26, 2016, James A. “Jim” Polcari, 56, beloved husband of Mealea Chan-Polcari. Family and friends may call at the FAY McCABE FUNERAL HOME, 105 MOORE ST. LOWELL on THURSDAY from 4 until 8 PM. Jim’s funeral will take place on FRIDAY MORNING at 11:30 AM at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH, 144 East Merrimack St. Lowell. PLEASE GO DIRECTLY TO THE CHURCH. Burial in the historic Lowell Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the JIM POLCARI’S CHILDRENS FUND, ENTERPRISE BANK, c/o Maria Lobao, 222 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852 or at any Enterprise Bank location. ARRANGEMENTS BY THE FAY McCABE FUNERAL DIRECTORS 978-459-9222 www.faymccabe.com