Violi served as Vice President of Purchasing for Rent Way until 2001.

James M. Violi - Photo courtesy John V. Schultz Company.

James M. Violi, former vice president of purchasing for Rent Way, died at his residence very suddenly on Thursday, February 28, 2008. He was 59 years old. Violi served Rent Way for 10 years before leaving the company in 2001. He had been the Director of Operations for John V. Schultz Furniture Company for the past five years.

Friends say Violi joined Rent Way when it had 20 stores and was hand-picked by CEO Bill Morgenstern to head up the growing company's purchasing department.

According to his obituary published in the Erie Times, Jim Violi is survived by wife of 35 years Connie Steigerwald Violi, two daughters: Lyndsay A. Violi of Fairbault, Mn., Jayme M. Violi of Waterville, Mn., three brothers: Wesley J. Violi and his wife Nancy of Louisville, Ky., Ronald L. Violi and his wife Patricia of Pittsburgh, Charles “Mickey” Violi and his wife Patricia of Canfield, Oh.; his mother-in-law Ann Marie Steigerwald, Camarilo, Ca., and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home, 3801 West 26th Street at Powell Avenue on Friday from 3 to 9 p.m. Further calling hours will be held on Saturday at the Worrell Funeral Home, 820 Main Street at 9th Street, Sharpsburg, PA 15215, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at which time there will be a prayer service followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Church, Dorrysville Road, O’Hara Township, with Reverend Thomas R. Miller, celebrant. Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Ronald L. and Patricia M. Violi Endowed Chair in Children Development, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, 1251 Waterfront Place, 5th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Send condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com.