Joseph Vasapolli passes away at 82

DOWNEY - Joseph Vasapolli Jr., 82, a Downey resident and U.S. Army veteran, died Oct. 19 at home surrounded by family and friends.He was born Nov. 22, 1929, in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of the late Joseph and Maria Stella Vasapolli. He was the oldest of two siblings. On Jan. 14, 1951, he married Adele Macchia Vasapolli, and they enjoyed 62 years of marriage. He served in the U.S. Army during the post-WWII era and during the Korean War. After his discharge, he was employed by Santa Anita Race Track as a maintenance foreman for 32 years, retiring in 1995. Vasapolli was a member of the National Rifle Association and an avid hunter and shooter. He often camped in the desert with his sons, exploring the outdoors. He is survived by his wife, Adele; son, Joe, and his girlfriend, GG; son, Gene (Margie); daughter, Lori (Larry) Butts; grandchildren, Karrie, Joey and Kelly; and great-grandson, Addison. He is also survived by his brother, Andrew, his wife Jay, and daughter Maria. A prayer service was held Monday at Downey Zrelak Family Mortuary. A funeral service was held Tuesday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, followed by burial at Riverside National Cemetery with full military honors.

********** Published: November 1, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 29