"Mary Ann, we are so sorry for your loss. We will remember John with affection as we recall the times we spent with you."
In loving memory of
John R. Vettese
March 17, 1945 - March 1, 2019
John R. Vettese, age 73, of Ambler, and formerly of Hammonton, NJ, died peacefully on Friday, March 1, 2019, in the Dock Woods Community in Lansdale, PA.
Born in Hammonton, NJ, John was the eldest son of the late John and Elizabeth (nee Salvatore) Vettese.
John was a 1963 graduate of Hammonton High School and received his degree from Temple University. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force. John was a Project Manager working in Systems and Technology Support for the Unisys Corporation for 37 years until his retirement in 2006.
John loved spending time outdoors. He enjoyed camping, hiking, biking, and kayaking. He was an avid gardener and member of Pennypack Farm. Astronomy was a passion of John's and he enjoyed studying the night sky. He was also a faithful runner and could be found traversing his Ambler neighbor in the early hours of any weekday. He was a longtime Philadelphia sports fan but was an especially dedicated Phillies fan, through the good and the bad. John was a parishioner at St. Joseph Church in Ambler.
John is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Mary Ann (nee Kolasa) Vettese of Ambler. He is the devoted father of Sharon Licata and her husband Michael of Ambler; Steven Vettese and his wife Stephanie of Atlanta, GA; John Vettese and his wife Maureen Walsh of Philadelphia; and Elaine Gravelle and her husband Matthew of Blue Bell. He is the loving grandfather of Michael, Jake, Parks, Jack, William and Ryan. John is the dear brother of Robert Vettese and his wife Bonnie of Hammonton, NJ and Gary Vettese and his wife Dawn of San Diego, CA.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, March 14, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Church, 16 S. Spring Garden Street, Ambler, PA 19002. John's Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 AM with Rev. Charles J. McElroy as Celebrant. Inurnment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory to the Pennypack Farm and Education Center, 685 Mann Road, Horsham PA 19044 www.pennypackfarm.org would be appreciated by the family.
Tributes and photos may be shared at www.UrbanFuneralHome.com
Tributes
"Dear Mary Ann and family, our family extends to you our deepest sympathy. We treasure our trips to Ambler and great memories. Love Anne, Lou and family"
"That is a great picture of John. It depicts his calm and caring demeanor. He always served as an inspiration and mentor to me. Whatever he would do I would follow in his footsteps. He picked and packed blueberries on Grand pop's farm, so must I. He had a Philadelphia Bulletin paper route, I inherited the same route. He washed dishes and cooked at a local Howard Johnson's restaurant in Hammonton, I washed dishes and cooked there also. I even got to wear an old lady's dress and hat for Halloween that John broke years before in his youth. Yes, they are all great memories from a great and loving brother. I will miss you. Thank you for the memories. Love You. Brother Bob."
"Mary Ann, My prayers go out to you and your family. Stay strong. Love, Madelyn"
"Mary Ann , My heart is sad for the loss of your husband. I will keep you in my Prayers. God Bless you. Madelyn."