HUDSON—Joseph Vergopia, 96, of Craryville passed away October 28, 2010 at Columbia Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family.
He was born in Canicatti Italy, May 16, 1914, the son of Salvatore and Maria (Cortese) Vergopia.
Mr. Vegopia is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Elizabeth (Evangelist) Vergopia; son, Salvatore (Janet) Vergopia of Saddle River, NJ; daughter, Dorothea (Keith Celentano)Vergopia-Mellan; grandchildren, Edward Vergopia, Farrell Vergopia and Kristen Mellan; sisters, Grace Tanzi, Angelina Zecca, Margaret Guidi; brother-in-law, Guido Zecca; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his beloved brothers, John and Anthony Vergopia.
Mr. Vergopia was a custom suit designer and tailor in New York City. Among his many famous customers were Frank Sinatra, Tommy Dorsey, Jackie Gleason and the Prince of Wales.
In the early 1970s, Mr. Vergopia moved to Columbia County to own and operate the Catamount Inn, Hillsdale with his son and years later operated Take One Video in Hudson with his daughter.
Growing up in East Harlem, Mr. Vergopia was a respected lightweight boxer and basketball coach. He was an avid fan of all sports but most importantly his beloved St. Louis Cardinals.
He will be missed greatly by his family and everyone who knew him.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, November 3, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, Chatham. A memorial service will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Hudson.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Kidney Foundation in memory of Joseph Vergopia for Anthony Zecca at http://www.kidney.org/support/. To send an online condolence visit www.frenchblasl.com