Vincent Anthony Verrastro

Vincent A. Verrastro, 90, of Carmichael, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2022, at home. He was born and raised in Dunmore, Pennsylvania.

Vincent was born on May 1, 1932, in Dunmore, PA, the third child of six children born to Salvatore and Sarah (Bonavoglia) Verrastro. He was raised in Dunmore, and at the age of 18, enlisted in the United States Air Force on June 14, 1951, and served 20 years as an aircraft repair technician and sheet metal repair specialist. He served during the Korean and Vietnam wars and received nine service medals and accommodations, including the Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal and the Bronze Star on August 24, 1962, for Meritorious Achievement during the Vietnam War. He achieved the rank of Tech Sargent and was a respected shop supervisor, leader and mentor. He was honorably discharged at his retirement on June 30, 1971.

After his military career, he attended Barber College and became a licensed barber, maintaining his license and credentials until he became legally blind in 2017. He had a small barber shop area in the garage and cut hair for family, friends, and neighbors.

Vincent had a second career as a civil servant for the Federal Government from November 6, 1972 to December 30, 1989, working at Mather Air Force Base as an Non-Destructive Imaging (NDI) Specialist, processing x-ray images of aircraft parts in search of internal defects.

A devout Catholic his entire life, he was an active member of the Knights of Columbus from October 1, 1961, until his death on November 17, 2022.  He served in many capacities for the Knights and was a member the Monsignor Virgil Gabrielli Council 4991 at St. Lawrence Church for over 50 years, including a past Grand Knight. Vincent and Terry were awarded “Family of the Year” from the Knights of Columbus Council-4991, for the years 1993, 2005 and 2006, Vincent enjoyed cooking for a crowd and served many meals at St. Lawrence, most notably the first Sunday of the month breakfasts after both Masses (during the 1970s and 80s), hosting a bar-b-que booth at the Spring Festivals and the annual Crab Feed. He enjoyed being a Knight and was very proud of his service in this worthy organization. Many lifelong friends were made amongst his fellow Knights. Most notably the “Choir Boys” monthly poker group – Dale Klug, Monty Austin, Steve Freitas, Simeon Reyes, Lupe Vargas, Bernie Castillo, and a close friend and neighbor that later joined the group, Raymond Kercher (the latter three now deceased).

 Vince enjoyed traveling with his wife, Terry and they visited many places in the United States and Canada, they took cruises to Alaska, Italy and the Panama Canal and even a trip to China in their 80s! They spent many anniversaries at the military-only Hale Koa Hotel. In Honolulu, Hawaii. They always met new people and made many friends during their travels.

Vincent was a strong man of faith, who loved the Lord, and was a loving husband and father and great provider. He was a hard worker professionally and at home. He could fix just about anything or would seek advice from friends that could help.  In addition to his passion for cooking, he enjoyed Western movies and TV shows, he loved music, especially opera. He enjoyed playing board games and card games with family and friends and loved a good (clean) joke. Let him be remembered for his laughter and smile.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Catherine and Angela and brother Leonard, and his sisters in law Mary and Elizabeth.

Vincent is survived by his loving wife Marie Theresa (Terry) Verrastro, his bride of 66 years, seven children, James Verrastro and wife Linda Ryden; Katherine Woolery and husband Steve; John Verrastro and wife Cheri; Michael Verrastro; Mary Yarbrough and husband Robert; Edward Verrastro; and Glen Verrastro, and his two youngest brothers Salvatore Verrastro; and Anthony Verrastro and wife Joan; 9 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Mercy Hospice for their wonderful care of Vincent in his last weeks at home and the comfort and support provided to family, particularly his care team nurses Kathy Ferge and Josh Biag, Home Health aides Esther Gutierrez and Linda Beltran and Social worker Kristina Rumbaugh. To honor Dad for Veteran’s Day, Kristina, Kathy and Esther presented him a Certificate of Gratitude and an American Flag pin to thank him for his service to our Country.  He really appreciated the recognition and mentioned it to visitors that week of Veteran’s Day.

The family also extends heartfelt thanks to Father Gerald Ryle, Retired, a longtime family friend and former Parish Priest at St. Lawrence, whose friendship and spiritual guidance over the years is priceless to Vince and Terry

A viewing and rosary will be held on Friday, December 9, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Lawrence the Martyr Catholic Church, 4325 Don Julio Blvd, North Highlands, CA 95660 the Funeral Mass from 11:00 a.m. to noon.  Reception immediately following at the St. Lawrence Parish Hall.  Commitment at 2:00 p.m. at Calvary Cemetery and Funeral Center, 7101 Verner Avenue, Citrus Heights, CA 95621.

In lieu of flowers please make a one time donation to Keep St Lawrence Going fund.

https://giving.parishsoft.com/App/Form/db30baeb-7fb7-4a7e-b781-576eae4c5463

The family has requested to please send a note with your name and amount offered for the school fund   at Info@StLawrenceNH.org