Judith R. Hughes

Vincent C. Vespe

In Memoriam March 30, 1942 - December 2, 2014

On this the 3rd Anniversary you have left a void but we fill it with remembered Joy. You left us beautiful memories. God has you safely in his keeping. Ralph, Daughters, Grandchildren, Mother and Sister and their families.

Vincent C. Vespe,

Age 97 of Albuquerque, died peacefully in his sleep on November 24th, 2017. Vince was born to Carmen and Sylvia Di Stefano Vespe, the sixth of their seven children, on April

2, 1920 in Conneaut, OH. Vince graduated from Conneaut High School in 1938 and worked for a while on ships transporting materials on the Great Lakes. He enlisted in the Army and during World War II, Vince signed up to become a B-17 pilot. Upon receiving his training, Vince was stationed in London, England, and from there he flew 32 bombing missions over Germany as a pilot in the US Army Air Corp. Upon his discharge from the military, Vince took advantage of the GI Bill to complete his education. While studying at the College of Wooster in Ohio, he met the love of his life, Carol Gordon. She and Vince were married on July 13, 1945. He completed his bachelors and master’s degrees in Chemistry at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI, and began his career at the Atomic Energy Commission in Chicago in 1951. Later the family moved to Fairfax County, VA, and Vince worked in Washington, D.C. His career in the Atomic Energy Commission brought the family to Albuquerque in June, 1956, where he enjoyed the endless blue skies and beautiful weather of New Mexico and where he remained here until his death. Vince provided a wonderful life for his family and always encouraged his children to set their sights high and get a good education. He dedicated many hours supporting the kids’ swimming and diving competitions, and took his family on many camping trips throughout the Southwest. After he retired from the AEC in the 1970’s he became a wine connoisseur and loved to recommend and share good wines with family and friends. He was passionate about golf, and played daily at the UNM North Golf Course. He loved opera, good jokes, and fine art…in all, a well-rounded life!

Vince was pre-deceased by his wife, Carol, his parents and his six brothers and sisters. He is survived by his four children, Carol A. Dillard (Jim) of Bernalillo, Charlie Vespe of Albuquerque, John Vespe of Albuquerque, and Craig Vespe of Ft. Wayne, IN; seven grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life service is planned. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the charity of your choice.