Obituary of Eli Michael Vetrano

Eli Michael Vetrano was born October 9, 1928.  He married Rose Gianzero September 15, 1951; she predeceased him on July 25, 2010.  He is survived by his son Frank Sr., his wife Kathy; his daughter Anita and her husband Frank Pagnotta. Two grandchildren Frank Jr., his wife Stephanie; Katie, her fiancé Mason Fatovic and his 1st Great-Grandson, Parker Mason Fatovic.  He is also survived by his brother James Vetrano and his sister Margaret Lafemina.   Also survived by 13 step grandchildren.    

He served in the United States Army from 1950 through 1952 and received an honorable discharge as a Corporal.

After retiring from Carpentry and until his recent sickness Eli worked at the VA Administration in Yonkers for several years and never missed a Yonkers Veterans Event or Parade.

Eli has been affiliated with the American Legion for more than twenty years. He served as Commander of the Donald M. Konrad Post 1954, and was Chairman of the Central Committee of War Veterans of Yonkers; he served as Chairman of the It Proud Flag Contest for schools in Yonkers; and was Chairman of the Veterans Memorial Day Mass for several years.  In addition to these major appointments, Eli Vetrano directed the building of one of the first Gold Star Mother’s Monuments in New York State. In the past he was the Memorial Day Parade Chairmen and directed the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Homefield House in Yonkers; every year he helped to decorate the graves of every veteran, police officer and fireman for Memorial Day, bringing them much deserved honor. 

He was instrumental in the Vietnam Dignity Memorial Wall coming to Yonkers in 2009; he has been fully involved in the City of Yonkers Veterans Appreciation Day.  For the last few years he has helped assist with the Honor Flight for Veterans traveling from Westchester to Washington, DC.  Due to his dedication to the Veterans, in June 2010 Eli was inducted into the Veterans Hall of Fame by Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins.  He also served as Grand Knight of the Cardinal Hayes Knights of Columbus Council 3995. Friends may call at the Sinatra Memorial Home, 499 Yonkers Ave. on Thursday and Friday from 4-9pm.  Funeral mass at St. Ann’s Church 10am.  Interment will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery.