James William Verda
James William Verda, former Chief of the Norwalk Fire Department, passed away peacefully at Stamford Hospital on Thursday, December 17, 2020 following a long illness. Chief Verda was born and raised in Westport, CT. He was the son of the late William and Christine Verda (Prosper). He is survived by his wife, Catherine, of 62 years, two daughters Francesca Sciarrillo (Gary) of Fairfield, CT, and Lori Godin (David) of Wilton, CT, and two loving grandchildren, Marc Godin (Erin) of Fairfield, CT and Kristen Godin of Wilton, CT.
He graduated from Staples High School and served in the US Army in the Far East Command (Korea). Upon discharge from the service he returned home and was a member of the Westport Police Dept. for two years. After marriage he moved to Norwalk and became a Norwalk Firefighter. His 44 years in service to Norwalk encompassed a career which included firefighter, Fire Inspector, Deputy Fire Marshal, Asst. Chief & Fire Marshal, and Chief of the Norwalk Fire Dept.
While a member of the department he served on Local 830 Board of Directors for 4 years and President of Local 830 for one year. He was a committee member of the Norwalk Fire Dept. Honor Guard, Awards committee, Fairfield County Hazmat, CT Fire Marshals, and various committees which researched and implemented the upgrading of equipment for safety and fire suppression.
Jim was a member of the Norwalk Exchange Club committee to honor Connecticut’s bravest. He loved athletics and coached and managed the Norwalk
Fire Dept. Softball team and the Norwalk American Legion Baseball team.
He served on the Board of Trustees and the Scholarship committee of Westport PAL.
Jim was an avid sportsman, playing football, basketball, and Baseball for Staples High School. He had a passion for golf, organizing and playing in many local tournaments.
His greatest joy of life was spending time with his loving family and many wonderful friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for immediate family, close friends and firefighters at St. Thomas the Apostle Church on Tuesday, December 22, at 11:00 a.m., burial to follow at St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk. Everyone is invited to view the mass on live-stream at www.stthomasnorwalk.com. A memorial service and celebration of his life will be scheduled at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 203 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06855 or the National Kidney Foundation. www.kidney.org.