David J. Vespa

David Joseph Vespa, 66, of Rockford heard the Savior's familiar voice and immediately followed Him to Heaven on Tuesday, August 26, 2014. He was born January 27, 1948, in Springfield, IL, to Edward and Catherine (Neisewander) Vespa. He graduated from East High School, class of 1966. He married Patricia Layng in Rockford on May 3, 1968. David worked as an electrician for over 40 years, retiring from Northern Illinois University after 24 years of service there. He was a devoted member of Rockford First Church and proud member of IBEW Local 364. David was a faithful, genuine, godly man with a generous heart who was always ready to offer a helping hand to anyone in need. His kind eyes and constant smile brought love and sunshine to his family and friends.

Survived by Patricia, his wife of 46 years; four children, Michelle Sanchez of Rockford, Trina (Gregory) Scott of Bloomington, IL, Sari (Bramwell) Higgins of Park Ridge, IL, and Paul Vespa of Rockford; eight grandchildren, Ana, Mateo, and Lydia Sanchez, Kayla Scott, Emily Vespa, Eliot, Samuel, and Oliver Higgins; great grandchild, Connor Sanchez; mother, Catherine N. Vespa; brother, James Vespa and sister, Catherine L. Vespa; brothers and sisters in law, Lorraine Gustafson, Nancy (Ray) Painter, Dale (Diane) Layng, and Laurie (Juan) Terre; aunts and uncles, Mae Vespa, Pat Harford, Eleanor Lyons, Jack (Dee) Neisewander; nephews and nieces, Tony (Mary) Vespa, Rodessa Vespa, Rachel Gustafson, Brad (Becky) Gustafson, Denise (Tim) Munson, Joseph (Melanie) Hunt, Mary Hunt, Richie (Ariel) Minton, Angie Layng, and Jason Layng. Predeceased by his father, Edward A. Vespa and brother, Edward R. Vespa.

Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2014, at Rockford First, 5950 Spring Creek Road, with Pastor Bob Taylor officiating. Burial will be in Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation from 9 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the church. Arrangements completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home Mulford Chapel. To share a memory or condolence online visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.