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Vincent Joseph Wesnofske
Vincent Joseph Wesnofske, of Naples, Florida, passed away at the age of 83, on Monday, June 3, 2024 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 3, 1941 in Oyster Bay, Long Island, NY to Vincent and Madeline (Meyer) Wesnofske. He grew up a son of a potato farmer in Sagaponack, NY and worked alongside his father as a young boy. He attended Bridgehampton High School.
Vince enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in November, 1958 and served until December, 1962. He was a valued member of the Marine Corps boxing team where he defeated the two time world-wide and interser-vice champion by unanimous decision, after knocking him down in the first two minutes. His love for the Corps was shared by his son, Brian, and grandson, Brandon, who is currently serving as a Captain in the USMC.
After the Marine Corps, Vince started working as a construction laborer and he worked his way to become a craftsman carpenter. Soon thereafter, he was self-employed and building homes featured in The New York Times and various magazines. To better serve his clients, he expanded his business to include earthwork and excavation. He also owned and operated a sand and gravel mining operation. While in Bridgehampton, he served as a member of the Bridgehampton Fire Department.
After vacationing in Nashville, TN, it did not take long for Vince and Elaine to move there with their family in 1983. While in Nashville, Vince continued his earthwork business as well as real estate development. Upon retir-ing, they moved to Naples and became a member of St. William Catholic Church.
Vince loved traveling the world on his diving ad-ventures. Bonaire, being his favorite dive destination, awarded him the title of Ambassador to the island after he visited over 20 times in 24 years. His other hobbies in-cluded boating, woodworking and enhancing the beauty of his yard. All through his adult life, he had a talent for taking raw land and creating mini paradises.
A wealth of wisdom and practical know-how, he was always happy to offer guidance and assistance in building or fixing things. His incredible knowledge of leverage and how he applied it in daily life was considered awe-inspiring by all who knew him. Vince’s profound faith, unwavering dedication to family, and tireless work ethic served as an enduring inspiration to his wife, children and grandchildren.
He is survived by the love of his life and wife of almost 60 years, Elaine (Grzybowski) Wesnofske. His chil-dren: Bruce (Michelle) Wesnofske of Smyrna, TN, Brian (Annette) Wesnofske of Mt. Juliet, TN, Brett (Connie) Wesnofske of Nashville, TN and Wendy (Eric) Ahlstrand of Franklin, TN. Siblings: Joan (George) Tiska of South Setauket, NY, Carol Wesnofske of Sag Harbor, NY, Steve (Lori) Wesnofske of East Hampton, NY. Grandchildren: Cassandra (Ryan) Bowers, Courtney (James) Courtney, Nicholas Wesnofske, Captain Brandon Wesnofske, Davis Wesnofske, Zachary Wesnofske, Anna Wesnofske, Rachael Wesnofske, Christopher (Morgan) Wesnofske, Andrew (Caroline) Wesnofske, Thomas Wesnofske, Riley (Carson) Ward, Carl Ahlstrand, Christian Ahlstrand, Gun-nar Ahlstrand. Great-grandchildren: Edward, Harper, Bennett, Matthew, Aiden, Braelyn, Reese, Crew and Annie, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and a host of nephews, nieces and friends.
Visitation will be held on Monday, June 10, 2024, from 4 to 8 PM at Marshall-Donnelly-Combs Funeral Home, 201 25th Avenue North, Nashville and on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 from 9 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM, at Christ the King Church, 3001 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville. Interment following at Calvary Cemetery, 1001 Lebanon Road, Nashville.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105
Staff Writer on Jun 10, 2024