Mr. Frank R. "Richie" Vespi, 64, of Little Falls, beloved husband of Carol Vespi, died a sudden but heroic death on Monday morning, May 24, 2004 in Indianapolis, IN. He was born on March 2, 1940 in Little Falls, a son of the late Guy and Louise (Peters) Vespi and received his education in Little Falls schools. Frank served his country with the United States Air Force, receiving an honorable discharge on February 1, 1960. He resided at one time in Hamlin, NY, Albion, NY and also in Wildwood, Florida. On November 12, 1977 in Hamlin, NY, Frank was united in marriage with the former Carol Coloney. Throughout the extent of their 26-year union, they enjoyed a true partnership. They were each others pillar of strength both personally and as well as in their business lives, operating The Antiques and More Annex. He was employed for twenty years by Marcin Heating. His last professional association was with the Orleans Correctional Facility, in Albion NY where he was a correction officer, retiring in 1991, after ten years of dedicated service. He was a member of the Elk's Lodge and the Moose Lodge. In more recent years, Frank found his grandchildren to provide him with his greatest contentment and his most enduring happiness. In manner and in attitude, he was affectionate, lively and helpful. His innate self-awareness and his secure confidence in his own abilities provided the perfect foundation for the manner in which he chose to conduct his relationships and obligations: he was committed to excellence in all his endeavors and dedicated to his personal and career standards and values. In his leisure time, he enjoyed being outdoors, especially fishing. He also loved to travel. Frank was always ready to stand up for himself and was tragically taken from us doing so. The heroism and courage that Frank displayed on Monday morning will always live on in the hearts of his family and friends, truly setting an example for all to live by. He leaves his beloved wife, Carol of Little Falls, three sons, Joey Vespi and wife Shelly of Clarkseville, GA., Paul Penna of Spencerport, NY, and Alan Penna of Santa Cruz, CA., a daughter Jodi Gaines and husband Richard of Albion, NY, two brothers, Guy Vespi and wife Cindy of Little Falls and Gary Vespi of Little Falls, five cherished grandchildren, Christian Gaines, Sydney Vespi, Brian Penna, Luke Gaines and Kyle Gaines, one adored great-grandchild, Avery Gaines, many nieces, nephews, cousins; in-laws, Elaine and Gene Banas, Joyce and Ralph Dollinger all of Albion, NY, and George and Jennifer Coloney of Weston, Fl. Also surviving are numerous dear and devoted friends in the Mohawk Valley and throughout the country. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Enea Funeral Home, 24 W. Monroe St., Little Falls on Monday, May 31, 2004 from 4-8 pm. Frank's funeral will commence at 10 am on Tuesday morning, June 1, 2004 from the chapel of the Enea Funeral Home where prayer will be offered and at 11 am from Holy Family Parish, corner of E. Main and John Streets, Little Falls with the Rev. Anthony Ligato, pastor, officiating. Procession will follow to St. Mary's Cemetery, town of Herkimer, where he will be laid to rest. Kindly consider memorial contributions to the Frank R. Vespi Memorial Fund, donations may be made at the funeral home. The Little Falls Rotary Club are asked to gather at the funeral home on Monday evening at 6 p.m. to pay their respects. Members of the Little Falls Elk's Lodge #42 are asked to gather at the funeral home at 6:30 p.m. on Monday to conduct their service. For directions to the Funeral Home, click the link above.