HUBBARD -- With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our husband and father, Vincent Femia, 83, who joined God and the angels in Heaven on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, at 3:17 p.m., after a three-year battle with cancer. He passed away at home with his family by his side.
He was born July 12, 1941, in Marina di Gioiosa Ionica in the province of Calabria, Italia, to Maria Giuditta Restagno Femia and Nicola Femia. He emigrated to Masury in 1957 at the age of 16. He attended Brookfield High School, where he was educated in the English language.
Vincent worked at GATX Corporation in the repair shop for 18 years from 1965. Upon the closing of the Masury location, he later was employed by the Teamsters union hall on construction projects from 1983 until his retirement in 2006.
He was preceded in death by his parents; beloved sister, Teresa D'Urso; and niece, Gina Femia Smith.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sarah "Sally" Egnozzi Femia, whom he married at Our Lady of Mount Caramel Basilica, Youngstown, on June 8, 1968; and his two children, Nick (Stacey) Femia of Canfield and Melissa (Charlie) Hess of Gilbert, Arizona; and five beautiful granddaughters, Ashley and Natalie Femia, and Marina, Giada and Alessia Hess. He also leaves four cherished siblings, Luigi (Carol) of Hubbard, Caterina (Giuseppe) Commisso and Rocco (Kathy) Femia of Masury, and Anna Maria (Rocco) Barletta of Hubbard; as well as brothers-in-law, Frank Iaderosa and Donato D'Urso; and sister-in-law, Joanna Iaderosa. He also leaves his adored nieces and nephews, Tracey Vallas, Tony and Brian Femia, Dominic and Nick Commisso, Erica Wilcox, Gina Gabreski, Angela D'Urso, Maria Barletta, Daniela Ghizzoni, Nina Vantell, Jason and Jordan Fruedenberg, Kristin Edwards, Lauren Iaderosa and Marissa Grilli. He will further be greatly missed by many extended family members locally, as well as in New York and Italia, who were precious in his life.
He was active in the local Italian community as a member of Sons of Italy Lodge 2539, and often played bocce and cards with this group. Together, they maintained and celebrated Italian traditions and culture, always having a cup or two of espresso to complete the evening. He also enjoyed hunting and bowling on the GATX team, and appreciated his occasional trips to the casino, whether in Las Vegas or locally.
A lifelong Roman Catholic, he was a member of St. Patrick Church, Hubbard.
Further accenting his Italian heritage, he made wine yearly from fresh grapes, always saving the vino cotto as an ingredient for his sisters to make Italian fig cookies. Vinny was also an avid gardener and could often be found cultivating his crops in his massive backyard garden. Each year, he waited for that very first red tomato so he could make a vegetable salad and utilized the bulk of the tomatoes for canning a year's worth of Italian pasta sauce. He also treasured his return trips to Italia, where he visited his cousins and had the opportunity to share his birthland with his wife, children and grandchildren.
With an astute and curious engineering mind, in combination with his strong hard work ethic, Vince was a problem solver and known to offer his huge heart to help others with their mechanical and electrical projects and challenges. Many regarded him as the smartest man they knew, despite him not attending college or completing high school once venturing to the USA.
In addition to building a life with Sarah, the love of his life, his greatest joys were his children and grandchildren, and he exuded such pride in their accomplishments.
We extend heartfelt gratitude to all those who spent time making beautiful memories with him. A special thank you to Traditions Health Hospice, who did their very best to comfort him in his last weeks, particularly Becky, Krystal and Demetra.
Family and friends may call 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, at the Kelley-Cummins Funeral Home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, with the Very Rev. Michael Balash officiating.
Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery.
Please visit www.kcummins.com to view this obituary and send condolences to the family.