MEDWAY: James Douglas Sabatino

James Douglas Sabatino, 40, of Medway, MA, passed away unexpectedly on January 6, 2026. Born in Rochester, NY, he was the son of Patti and Ralph “Doug” Sabatino of Medway, and Westerly, RI.

When James was 11, his family moved to Medway from Reading, PA. He attended Norwich University before graduating from UMass Lowell in 2009 with a degree in mechanical engineering. In high school and college he played football and discovered a love for rugby at UMass Lowell.

With his dad by his side, James enjoyed scouting and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He also earned a black belt in karate. James had a lifelong love of animals. One of his favorite jobs was working with the camels and elephants at Southwick’s Zoo. He was a true animal whisperer.

James could fix anything. He loved working on and modifying his cars and motorcycles, always looking for ways to improve them. His passion for adventure began early with riding roller coasters at Hershey Park. Later, he enjoyed sky diving, bungee jumping, climbing waterfalls, spelunking, and ocean fishing. He was known for his witty and sarcastic sense of humor.

Above all, James deeply loved his family and cherished family holidays and traditions.

In addition to his parents, James leaves behind his sister, Emily Burkart, her husband, Ryan, and their son, Connor; 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, as well as many beloved cousins.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main St., Westerly, RI. The service will take place at 12:15 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial will follow at Riverbend Cemetery in Westerly. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wolf Hollow-North American Wolf Foundation, Ipswich, MA: Wolf Hollow. https://www.wolfhollowipswich.org/

Information posted by https://www.chesmorefuneralhome.com/