Gabriel J. Vertucci

Gabriel J. Vertucci, 83, of Market Street, Amsterdam, passed away Saturday morning at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Ft. Johnson NY he was the son of the late Pasquale ?Patsy? and Josephine DeRose Vertucci. A lifelong resident, he attended local schools. Gabe served as a corporal in the 3rd Platoon, E Company, 2nd Battalion 25th Marines, 4th Division during World War II. He fought in Tinian, Saipan and Iwo Jima. On Saipan, Gabe was shot in the head. The bullet exited the back of his helmet, allowing Gabe to kill the Japanese soldier. In a counterattack, Gabe was hit with a piece of hand grenade in the arm, receiving his first purple heart. As the fighting grew more intense, a Japanese soldier shot him in the pocket, the bullet was deflected by an ammo clip, but slashed through his hip. He was then awarded his second purple heart. On Iwo Jima, four hours before the battle was over, Gabe, one of only three men left in his company, was shot in the eyes . The bullet ricocheted under his helmet causing a serious head injury. Medics operated in a tent under a lantern. He received his third purple heart for valor. After the war , Gabe worked in construction in Pennsylvania from 1947 to 1950. Upon returning to Amsterdam, he worked at General Electric until 1960. From 1957 to 1960, he moonlighted in construction and in 1960, he started Gabriel Contractors along with his brothers, Anthony and Arthur. A second business, Robo Car Wash on Edson Street was established in 1968. Both businesses remain family owned. Gabe was a lifetime member of the Fourth Marine Division Association, a member of the Military order Of The Purple Heart, Elks Lodge 101, Post 701 American Legion and past board member of the Montgomery County Chamber Of Commerce. He was predeceased by four sisters; Susan Hermance, Marion Bellen, Eleanor Clairmont and Lena McCaffrey, and one brother, Anthony Vertucci. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Serviss Vertucci whom he married on April 23, 1975, one daughter Kim Michael Ryba of Hagaman; five sons; Terry Tina Vertucci of Amsterdam, Jeffrey Kelly Vertucci of Davidsonville, Md., Richard Sherri Vertucci of Ft. Hunter, Scott Brenda Vertucci of Killingworth Ct. and Mark Jennifer Vertucci of Coventry Ct.; four sisters; Catherine St. Amour of Naples, Fla., Jane Laychak of Scotia, Vera Stangle of Amsterdam and Margaret Habla of Tribes Hill; two brothers; Arthur Bernadette Vertucci of Ft. Johnson and Alfred Mary Vertucci of Amsterdam. He is also survived by fourteen grandchildren; a great grandson and many nieces and nephews and cousins. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his con-celebrated Mass Of Christian Burial on Tuesday at 11:00 am at St. Mary?s Roman Catholic Church, East Main St. The Very Rev. James Gulley, Fr. Anthony Gulley will celebrate assisted by Gabe?s son in law, Deacon Michael Ryba. Interment with military honors will follow in St. Mary?s Cemetery. calling hours are Monday from 4-8 pm at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue. Contributins may be made in his name to the Community Hospice Of Amsterdam, in care of the funeral home office.