John Edward Vasta

John Edward Vasta, of Park Ave., Poughkeepsie died unexpectedly on Friday, August 11, 2006 at Vassar Bros. Medical Center. He was 63. A native and lifelong Poughkeepsie resident, John was born on March 31, 1943, a son of the late Frank and Lena Salerno Vasta. An Arlington High School graduate, class of '62, he played semi-pro football in Newburgh for several years. John began his career as a steam fitter and joined the Steamfitters Local #201 in 1965. He worked as a plumber and steamfitter on many large construction sites throughout the area. He retired in 1996. A parishioner of St. Martin de Porres Parish, he belong to the Italian Center. John was a former member and past Commodore of the Pirate Canoe Club. He married Barbara Jean Cella on October 3, 1987. His brother Joseph Vasta died previously. Surviving in addition to his wife are one daughter Allison M. Vasta and one son Matthew J. Vasta, both at home; two brothers Frank Vasta and his wife Judy of Denver, NC and Anthony Vasta of Red Hook, two sisters Margaret Doerr of Fishkill and Patty Fitzgibbons and her husband Burt of Celebration, FL; his sister in law Nancy Vasta of Radcliff, KY; his mother in law Margaret Cella of Poughkeepsie; several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 pm at Parmele Funeral Home, 110 Fulton Ave., Poughkeepsie. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday 10 am from St. Martin de Porres Parish, Poughkeepsie. Inurnment will be in Wurtemburg Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations, toward a scholarship fund, may be made in John's memory to Our Lady of Lourdes High School, 131 Boardman Rd., Poughkeepsie 12603.