James Ristaneo

James Edward “Jim” Ristaneo of Middletown passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026, at Hawthorn Glen Nursing Center at the age of 91. He was a beloved husband of more than fifty years to Esther, as well as a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many. He will be missed tremendously.

Born in Middletown on April 5, 1935, Jim was the first-born son of Ray and Virginia (Fryman) Ristaneo. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Esther; his brother, David Thomas; Esther’s daughter, Becky Andersen; and grandsons Jonathan Couch, Sean Distler, and Jason Distler.

Jim was in the first graduation class of Bishop Fenwick High School in 1953. He attended the University of Dayton, where he proudly competed as a member of the rifle team. He served his country as a reservist with the United States Army from 1955 to 1961.

A dedicated and skilled tradesman, Jim was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers local 648 and spent much of his career working as an electrician for Meehan and Wente Electric. He was respected for his reliability, craftsmanship, and steady presence. Some of his jobs included the Armco Steel Corporation, Miller Brewing Company, Middletown Water Treatment Plant and he retired in 1993.

Jim’s greatest passion was “The Farm,” the place where he grew up, worked, and carried on his father’s legacy. He took immense pride in raising fine Angus cattle, several of which were shown and placed at the Butler County Fair. More than his life’s work, the farm was woven into the heart of who Jim was.

Jim shared a lifelong love for the Cincinnati Reds, cheering faithfully through every season and rarely missing a game. As much as he loved his team, nothing brought him more joy than watching his children, grandchildren play sports. He was their biggest supporter, always in the stands with pride in his eyes. He also looked forward to Friday nights with Cassano’s pizza and Sunday afternoons at Twin Valley Rod and Gun Club, where he attended turkey shoots with his longtime friend Stanley “Doc” Long.

One of the sweetest things to remember about Jim was the way he showed affection through nicknames. If he cared about you, chances are he had a special name for you—maybe even two—and those names became little reminders of the warmth, humor, and love he shared with the people around him.

Jim leaves to cherish his memory his sister Connie Ristaneo; brother Larry (Pam) Ristaneo; daughters Jaime (Shawn) Swallow and Lisa (Chad) Tinkham; grandchildren Tara Swallow, Julia Swallow, Miya Swallow, Alanna Tinkham, and Aleah Grace Tinkham. He is also survived by Esther’s children: Debra (Michael P. Hollon) Manning, Donald (Sharon) Distler II, Chris (Shelley) Distler, and Dave (Angel) Distler; grandchildren Eric Andersen, Summer Couch, Donnie (Elizabeth) Distler, Stephanie (Lesley) Torsell, Jennifer (Sean) Burke, Brenden (Jahayra) Distler, Branden Distler, Breanna Distler, Phillip Distler, Matt (Amanda) Distler; along with 24 great‑grandchildren and two great‑great grandsons.

 Mass of Christian Burial will be held on September 5th at 10:30am at Holy Family Parish–St. John Church, with Father John Civille as celebrant. Interment will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Madison Township.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Parish.

Please sign the guestbook at SpauldingFuneralHome.com