James V Vetro

Guilderland – James V. Vetro died February 2, 2019 at the age of 88. James affectionately known as Jim, was a long time Guilderland resident. James is survived by his wife Margaret (Peg) of sixty years, sons Paul (Sandra) and Matthew (Robin), grandchildren, Sarah, Noelle, Alexis, Alec, great grandchild Sadie and sister-in-law Mary Culligan and numerous nieces and nephews. James was predeceased by his son Brian Vetro, brother Frank Vetro, sister Marie Brumaghim and parents Vincent and Jenny Vetro. Jim was the son of an immigrant father. He was born and raised in Gloversville, NY where he attended and graduated high school as class president. He was an ROTC candidate while attending and graduating with a B.S. Degree in Economics from Illinois University, after which Jim served in the United States Army as a First Lieutenant and Commanding Officer of a Field Artillery Battery. Jim obtained his Master’s Degree after 4 years of evening part-time studies attending the Graduate School of Public Affairs. His early career was spent working for the New York State Education Department Bureau of Educational Finance and Research. He later began his career with the New York State School Board Association in 1967 as a research assistant, became Director of Research in 1970 and Deputy Executive Director in 1980. He retired after 24 years of devoted service to the Association. Jim was fortunate to enjoy his retirement years as a “snow bird” migrating from New York to Florida. Jim had a love for music starting in his high school days playing clarinet in the marching band. He became a member of his local YMCA in his early years and became a life-long member and health enthusiast and spent years on the board of directors. Jim loved a good joke, spending time with family and friends especially during the holidays. He enjoyed the outdoors and his adventures hiking, running, cycling and playing tennis, especially the banter over a beer with his friends when they were done. A calling hour will be 11:00 to noon Saturday at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home 5216 Western Turnpike (just west of Carman Rd.), Guilderland, NY 12084, with services held at noon with family and friends in attendance. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to the Alzheimer’s Association on line www.alz.org or local Y (YMCA)