Obituary of George R. Vespa

George Ralf Vespa Passed away January 12, 2015 at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake, NY. Born October 1, 1923 in Turtle Creek, PA the son of Italian immigrants Carl and Vincentia (Machia) Vespa, who arrived via Ellis Island. George served as a Paratrooper in the 511th PIR during WWII and was decorated for bravery in combat in the Pacific theater. George moved to Lake Placid, NY and married Marlene (Godin) Vespa in 1954. Together they managed The Marcy Hotel until 1974 when they opened The Villa Vespa Restaurant. Georges' love for food, travel and family was the driving force of his many successes. Forever a friend to the community and a consummate business man, George passionately honed his craft and shared his life work with his adoring family. He is survived by his loving wife Marlene Florence Vespa, Daughters Kimberly J. Vespa, Elizabeth (Lisa) A. Reid and husband Steve, Alethea A Vespa and husband Bart Patnode; Four grandchildren; Timothy, Nicholas, Emma, and Connor all of Lake Placid, NY, Sister Clara Lukas of St. Petersburgh, Fl. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 21 at 11:00 AM at Saint Agnes Catholic Church, Saranac Ave., Lake Placid, NY. Burial will be in St. Agnes Cemetery in the spring. Donations in memory of Mr. Vespa may be made to The Lake Placid Outing Club, Lake Placid Central School, 34 School St., Lake Placid, NY 12946 or the Tri Lakes Humane Society, 255 George Lapan Memorial Highway, Saranac Lake, NY 12983. Relatives and friends are invited to share a story or leave online condolences for the Vespa family at www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com .