James A. Vespasian, Sr.

Struthers – Services will be held Thursday morning, December 13, at 11:00 am at Clemente Funeral Home in Struthers for James A. “Weasel” Vespasian, Sr., 61, who died December 9, at his home after a brief illness, surrounded by his family.

James was born November 17, 1957, a son of August J. and Ina C. Shawl Vespasian.

He married Karen Muto on September 21, 1979. 

He worked at Teenie Trailer as a painter from 1978 to 1990 and then in the maintenance department at Tamco.  He was employed by the city of Struthers street department for 19 years.  James played in the Independent Softball League for 19 years, was a drummer in the band Vintage Vinyl, and was in the BCA Thursday night pool league at St. Anthony’s.  For at least seventeen years, he did the chains for the Struthers Wildcats football games.  He was a trustee at St. Anthony’s in Struthers and he was a Harley enthusiast.  James was a friend to all and was loved by so many, “The very best man.”  Most of all, he loved his six grandkids immensely.

James leaves his wife, Karen, a daughter Abby (Jeff) Crawford of Poland, a son James Vespasian, Jr. of Struthers, a sister Cindy (Ron) Hutchko of New Middletown, a brother Ken Vespasian of Canfield, a sister and brother-in-law Cathy (Clint) Burchfield of Boardman and five grandchildren Katrina Shipley, Anthony Shipley, Giovanni Nair, Carlee Crawford, and Cadence Crawford, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson Jeffrey Scott Crawford, Jr., a brother-in-law Dominic Muto and his in-laws Florence Marciniak Muto and Samuel Muto.

The family wishes to extend their appreciation to Dr. Medford Mashburn and the staff of Hospice of the Valley.

Friends may call Wednesday, December 12, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm and one hour prior to the service on Thursday morning, December 13,  from 10:00 to 11:00 am at the Clemente Funeral Home in Struthers.

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