Ernest Vietri
WILMINGTON - Mr. Vietri, (Ernie) age 96, passed away on November 17th, 2023 at St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington.
Ernie was born in Wilmington on February 4, 1927, the son of the late Dominick and Pauline Vietri, and grew up on Lincoln Street, in the heart of Little Italy. He joined the Army in 1944 and served with distinction in Europe during WWII.
After his honorable discharge, he returned to Wilmington, completed his apprenticeship as a plumber, and worked for 28 years out of Local 26. He was also a sheet metal worker for Amtrak for 15 years, retiring in 1992.
Ernie was always ready to volunteer his professional services over the years. He assisted in the construction of the Padua Academy on Broom Street, renovations of the retreat home for the Capuchin Friars for Father Tom DiPasquantonio, and did extensive work for Brother Ronald, of the Ministry of Caring, in the establishment of three shelters, which continue to serve the needs of Wilmington residents.
Ernie also provided services for Father Roberto’s project which established St. Anthony’s in the Hills, and for over 15 years he worked tirelessly during the annual St. Anthony’s Italian festival, serving meals in the Ballad Room. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, PIUS 10th 4425 council, and provided volunteer services at the VA hospital in Elsmere. In February of 2000, he received a well-deserved certificate of appreciation from the Adjutant General, Veterans of Foreign Wars, for “faithful support of America’s deserving veterans and their families.” He was also an avid golfer, and for many years he served as a fund raiser and coordinator for the Father Roberto Golf Tournament, for the benefit of St. Anthony’s parish. (As a southpaw, Ernie was always pleased when his favorite golfer, Phil “Lefty” Mickelson, did well in tournaments.)
He is survived by his daughter Kim Webb, grandson Jake Webb and his wife Melissa; his daughter Rita Gosnell and her husband Brian; his stepson Carl Fedkiw and his wife Barbara; his grandson Jason Fedkiw and his wife Sheri, and their daughters Alyssa and Ashley; his sister Annie Lohinetz; his brothers Alfred, and Joseph, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Josephine “Jo” (Fedkiw); his sisters Mary Barone, Carmella Buckley, and Frances Lano, and brothers Anthony, Dominick Jr., John, and Albert.
The family would like to thank Delaware Hospice for all their help and support.
Family and friends are invited to attend viewing at 9am on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 82 Possum Park Rd., Newark, DE 19711. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30am. Burial at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery will be privately held.
For online condolences please visit: www.arcarofuneralhome.com