Obituary of Clement J. Vullo

Clement J. Vullo, Sr., 86, of 303 W. 5th Street, formerly of Camp Street and Falconer, died at 8:25 p.m. Tuesday May 1, 2018, in UPMC Chautauqua WCA, surrounded by his family after a lengthy illness. A resident of Jamestown most of his life, Mr. Vullo was born June 18, 1931, a son of Carl Charles and Laura Lombardo Vullo. Mr. Vullo was a tireless worker. Having grown up during the depression, Clement would rise at 4 a.m. before going to school and assist his father in delivering heavy blocks of ice to their customers in several residential and business neighborhoods throughout Jamestown including the Willard Heights area where he was raised. This strong work ethic, taught to him by his parents, would later prevail in the home health care of his wife and youngest son. After attending Jamestown High School, Clement enlisted in the US Navy in 1950. In 1952, he went aboard the USS Lake Champlain Carrier to Haiti, Cuba, Europe, Japan and Korea where he learned to become a master welder. After his overseas duty he returned to the US and was stationed at Jacksonville, FL. He received his discharge papers on March 29, 1954 and enlisted in the reserves in July 1961. Mr. Vullo held several jobs during his lifetime including employment at Hope's Windows, AVM and Jamestown Metal Products. He partnered with his brother and operated Vullo Installations and the former Yellow Submarine Bar and Restaurant in Celoron. Before its closing, he was employed at the former Jamestown General Hospital and retired as a maintenance director for St. James Roman Catholic Church. He then took on the most challenging role of his life; the role that earned him the utmost respect from his family and friends. Clement's beloved wife of fifty years, Norine Lorraine Davis Vullo, whom he married January 2, 1954 and who died July 1, 2004 was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. Refusing to have his wife admitted into a nursing home, he diligently cared for her and stayed by her side for eleven years. His fate worsened when shortly before Mrs. Vullo's death his youngest son Richard, who experienced seizure disorder from birth, suffered an epileptic stroke which rendered him handicapped. Once again, Clement engaged in the overwhelming task of caring for his invalid son which he did for several years before his own declining health would not permit him to do it any longer. Courage, commitment and determination kept him going through these difficult times and speak highly of his strength and character. During his leisure time, of which he had very little, Clem enjoyed archery, fishing and hunting. His family and friends heard the stories he would often tell about what it was like to grow up in "old" Jamestown during the depression. Although repetitive, no one ever tired of hearing them. Clement is survived by his four sons Charles Louis of Falconer, David William (Judie) of California, Clement Joseph Jr. (Cindy) of Ashville and Richard Carl of the Lutheran Home; a daughter Laurene Avino (Mark) of Virginia; five grandchildren Lauren Vullo of California, Kiana Vullo of Ashville, Melissa, Matthew and Michaela Avino of Burke, VA; two step grandchildren Sherice and Brandon Imel; a brother Carl Vullo, Jr. (Graceen) of Jamestown; a sister Ida Escott (Jim) of Lakewood; two nephews, two nieces and several great nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife. The Vullo family would like to thank and extend their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the nurses and aides from the ICU Unit at WCA for their never ending commitment and compassionate care that they gave, not only to Clement, but also to his family. This dedicated and caring staff warrants the highest praise possible. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Lind Funeral Home. Rev. Roy Ferguson will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Friends will be received from 2-5 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to a charity of choice. You may leave word of condolence at www.lindfuneralhome.com.