Obituary of John R. Vesp

John Rocco Vesp Jr., 79, passed away peacefully after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer on March 7^th, 2022 with his loving family by his side.  Born on December 19^th, 1942 in Nelliston, NY he was the son of the late John Sr. and Mary Giaquinto Vesp.  He attended Fort Plain School and graduated from St. Mary’s Institute in Little Falls in 1961.

A lifelong area resident, John was a barber for a short time before going to work for the Department of Transportation, Region 2, in Utica.  He retired from DOT in July of 1996.  Following his retirement, he worked as a consultant for several contractors.  John served as president of the Fort Plain Board of Education, and also served on the BOCES Board.  He was the Town of Minden Supervisor and served as a Trustee for the Village of Fort Plain.  He currently held the position of Mayor of Fort Plain.  He was honored to serve the Village and had many great visions for the Village.  John was a lifetime member of St. James/ Our Lady of Hope Church in Fort Plain.   He was always willing to volunteer to help the church with countless projects.  John applied for and received seven $5,000 grants from the Horn Foundation.  He was a charter member and Past Exalted Ruler of the Canajoharie- Fort Plain B.P.O.E #2621.

John was an avid golfer and reader, frequenting the Fort Plain Free Library.  In warmer months, when he wasn’t working in his garden or on a project, he could be found reading outside in the sun.  He easily made friends and was always willing to lend a helping hand, no matter the size of the task.  He was extremely creative, loved learning and regularly sought out new ventures.   He will always be remembered for his kindness and generosity.

John is survived by his wife, Maria Colistra Vesp, whom he married on April 24, 1977.  He was the loving father of Kristine, Alicia, Erica and Jennifer, and the proud grandfather of Jacob, Gabrielle, Greyson, Emerson, Brody, Bryce, and Savannah.  John is also survived by his sister, Joan Vesp; brother-in-law, Anthony (Dannie) Colistra; his nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, whom he all loved dearly.  He was predeceased by his brother, William Vesp.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, March 11, 2022 at 11a.m. at Our Lady of Hope Roman Catholic Church.  Private burial will take place in the Fort Plain Cemetery.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call Thursday, March 10, 2022 from 3 until 7p.m. in the sanctuary of the church.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to The Fort Plain Free Library, 19 Willett St, For Plain, NY 1339, The Schenectady City Mission, 425 Hamilton St, Schenectady, NY 12305 or Our Lady of Hope Church, 115 Reid St., Fort Plain, NY 13339.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lenz & Betz Funeral Home, 69 Otsego St., Canajoharie, NY 13317. Please visit the online memorial a www.brbsfuneral.com