Obituary of Dominick R. Vassallo

Dominick R. "Dom,""Zeke" Vassallo Jr., 84, from Vineland, NJ, passed away from complications due to a stroke while vacationing in Clearwater, FL on February 13, with his loving daughters by his side. Born on November 18, 1933 to Dominick and Angelina (Pontarelli) in Landisville, NJ. Dom was married for 40 years to Gloria (Bassetti), who passed away on April 23, 2005.

Dom spent his career as an electrician for I.B.E.W. 351, where he worked with pre-opening construction crews for many casino hotel properties in the 1980s and the Salem Nuclear Power Plant. After his retirement in 1995, Dom enjoyed volunteering his time for senior activity programs at Christ the Good Shepherd Parish.

Dom was an avid hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed spending his winters in Florida with his special friend, Frances Pericone. Dom loved celebrating the holidays – especially the food. Above all, Dom so loved – and was so proud of – his daughters and his grandchildren, all three of whom were married within one year of each other.

Dom is survived by his daughters, Donna (John Schlaner) of Egg Harbor Township, NJ and Diane Vassallo-Leone (Thomas) of Vineland; grandchildren, Deandra Consalo (Robert), Gabrielle Oleszewski (Kevin) and Jack (Ashley) Schlaner; brothers, Raymond, Sr. (Judy), and George (June); sister, Eleanor Piedmonte; brother-in-law, Richard Gilliam; his special friend, Frances; many nieces, nephews and cousins from the Vassallo and Bassetti families and numerous friends, especially long-time friends Joe and Robin Montresor.

Dom was predeceased by his parents; his beloved wife; sister, Minnie Gilliam; brothers, Nicholas and Carmen and sisters-and brothers-in-law from the Vassallo and Bassetti families.

A Gathering will be held on Monday, February 19 from 9am to 10:45am at Christ the Good Shepherd Parish (St. Isidore the Farmer Church), 1655 Magnolia Rd., Vineland, NJ 08361, immediately followed by a Memorial Mass at 11am. Burial will be private, and held at a later date. Arrangements are under of supervision of DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home, 2755 S. Lincoln Ave., Vineland. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dom's memory may be made to: Atlantic Cape Foundation, 5100 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing, NJ 08330, attn: Vassallo Scholarship Fund or Cumberland County SPCA, 1244 North Delsea Dr., Vineland, NJ 08360.