"Remembering all of the memories on Edgemere drive with Rick. Always having the fastest boat and car and loved talking about them. My condolences go out to Jolie and his children. Rip my friend. "
In loving memory of
Joseph "Rick" Vasile
June 24, 1953 - November 3, 2022
Joseph "Rick" Vasile
Born June 24, 1953, Joseph "Rick" Vasile passed away surrounded by family on November 3, 2022 at the age of 69. Predeceased by his parents Joseph and Mary Vasile; survived by his devoted wife Jolie Vasile (née Frosini); children Alexandra (Mikey) and Joseph (Mel) Vasile; siblings David (Lynne), Kenneth (Carole), Stephen (Penny) Vasile, Nancy (John) Saporito; Aunt Marie Vasile; mother-in-law Lena Frosini; brothers-in-law Joseph (Jill), David, Stephen (Johnna), Michael (Renee), Thomas (Shelly) Frosini; sister-in-law Andrea (Robert) Creary; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many friends.
Rick loved to share many stories about his life experiences, with some embellishment along the way. He connected with people from all walks of life through his animated and boisterous personality. He had a passion for sports cars, speed boats, history, and old films but his true love was for his family. With Rick's commitment to boating since he was a child, Lake Ontario was always a staple in his life. He loved life to the fullest and always tried to have a positive attitude despite his many long-term ailments.
Rick married Jolie, the love of his life on June 20, 1987. They met as young adults at their parents' summer homes on Edgemere Drive in North Greece, New York. Jolie was not only his wife but naturally and lovingly his caregiver. Rick and Jolie were blessed with two children whom Rick always encouraged to be the best at whatever they did. He taught his son Joseph how to be mechanically minded and solve problems with his hands. When Alexandra got an A on a test, he would playfully ask why it wasn't an A+. He was their best friend and they spoke to each other every day. Rick and his beloved dog Scooter had a very special relationship. Scooter begged for treats and Rick supplied them. Rick had many friends who shared his zest for life including Richard Altavela, Paul Gross, Thomas Tartaglia, and Thomas Kunz to name a few. They spent many hours in the back room of Rick's home scheming and conversing.
Rick worked as a heavy equipment operator and property manager for his family's commercial construction company. Vasile Construction was founded in 1923 by Rick's grandfather. His father eventually expanded the company to new levels, leaving his family with a commercial empire upon his early passing at the young age of 46. Rick was always so very proud of his father's accomplishments and shared his achievements with captivated audiences all his life.
Rick will be sadly missed by his family and friends and though the void in our hearts can never be filled, we know that he no longer feels the pain that he endured during the last years of his life. He is now at peace and celebrating in heaven with his mother, father, and all others who have passed before him.
We will be celebrating Rick's spirited life and continuing his tradition of storytelling at his funeral mass held at Our Lady of Lourdes on 150 Varinna Drive Rochester, NY 14618 on Tuesday, November 8 at 10 a.m. In Lieu of flowers, check donations made out to "George Eastman Museum" can be mailed to 900 East Avenue Rochester, NY 14607 with memo "In Memory Of Rick Vasile" in honor of Rick's love of classic cinema.
Tributes
"My condolences to the Vasile family. Rick was a great guy, we shared many laughs . Dave Cass"
"Offering condolences to Rick Vasile?s family, though I had not seen or been in touch with Rick since after high school. We used to hang out quite a bit as kids. I grew-up across the street from the Vasiles; and spent many hours playing football in the yard or basketball. Or hanging out in the den watching TV. Rick had a great love for fast cars and boats, and he would spend hours doing research for his next acquisition. One car of his I remember was a GTO 450HO that he had custom built. He spoke about how the engine was blueprinted. Another car he owned was a Massarotti he drove to a wedding in Utica and Rick was in his element going 140 mph on the NYS Thruway. The fastest I have ever been in a car. Good memories, he will be missed. - Peter R. Fernandez"
"Hi I?m Sam Vasile from Auburn and I got to know Ricky when he was at the Manlius school, he was always a good guy and I?m terrible sorry for your loss, please pass on my condolences to all of your family and the rest of the family. Take care Sam Vasile."
"So sorry for your loss. Rick was a wonderful person, every time I would see Rick he always made me feel like a best friend. His smile was so genuine and our conversations always evolved boating. I'll miss him. Dave Wegman"
"Jolie, Long ago I worked with you at BC/BS and I would see you at the Wilson Health Center. I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family. Luba"