Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James Vanzo Obituary
He was born on Dec. 13, 1950, in Alton, Illinois, the son of the late James Vanzo and the late Joan Herberer Senseney. Smokey was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Edwardsville where he attended grade school, and he was a 1969 graduate of Edwardsville High School. He worked at the family business, Vanzo's MRU, in Edwardsville for many years.
He was a local character know throughout the Madison County Annex Building, where many enjoyed his wit and sense of humor. He enjoyed reminiscing about the past and was very knowledgeable about events, dates, and people. During his life he survived two horrific accidents that would have permanently knocked down the average person, but he had the strength of a bull and always kept going.
He is survived by his step-father, Jack Senseney and wife, Pil; two brothers; Mark A. Vanzo and Adoni Vanzo; sister, Vickie J. Vanzo Stassi and husband, Sam Stassi; a son, Eric Vanzo and wife, Jill Vanzo; a daughter, Kerryanna Vanzo; five grandchildren: Monica Vanzo, Tony Vanzo, Kelsey Growe, Alyssa Vanzo, and Andrew Vanzo; also by Connie Jeneral, mother of his two children. Also surviving are his niece, Casie Burk Jones & husband, Timothy Jones, and their children; his great nephew, Greyson, and great niece, Daelyn; and his two nephews, Robert Vanzo and Kory James Stassi; four nieces, Dreanalee Vanzo, Vanessa Ann Vanzo, Cassandra Louis Vanzo, and Elizabeth Ann Marie Vanzo; Step-mother, Sandra Vanzo; and two step-sisters, Tina Schlemer and husband, Phil, and Tami Stalcup and husband, Tim; and many life long friends too numerous to mention, but who will always be part of his legacy.
Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Monday, March 25, 2013, at Weber & Rodney Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at Tuesday, March 24, 2013 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Boniface Catholic Church with Father Jeff Goeckner officiating.? In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Heartland Hospice or St. Boniface Catholic Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Vanzo
Cheryl Davis
April 8, 2013
Smokey will be wit his Mother and other loved ones in Heaven now. He and Jim will have lots of time to chat and remember old times. Smokey always had a way of making a person smile and I remember his FBI cap and him saying that means Full Blooded Italian! Such a jokester!
Gary & Susan Chapman
March 29, 2013
We just heard about this loss of Smokey Vanzo. We had loss touch with him as well as many other of our friends from Edwardsville. Smokey was always fun to be around. We extend our deepest condolences to his family.
Phyllis Landolt-Dickman
March 26, 2013
My sympathy to the Vanzo family; especially Vickie. A sibling is a precious one to lose.
March 26, 2013
Something tells me that Jimmy & Jeff are finally getting to spend some time together & share many memories & stories.
Two good friends that alot of Edwardsville is missing.
Sympathy to the family.
Amy Breihan Seattle, WA
Pat Quade
March 26, 2013
Vickie, Mark, and Family, so sorry for your loss he will be missed by many but never forgotten by anyone. He was one of a kind and had many fiends. You have my deepest sympathy and will keep all of you in my prayers. R.I.P. Smokey
March 26, 2013
Another Edwardsville legend that will be missed dearly. Thanks for the memories and the stories Smokey.
~Bill Agles
Anita Madison Terry
March 26, 2013
Eric, my sympathy to you on the loss of your father; Vickie, for the loss of your brother and the family for the loss of their loved one.
March 26, 2013
Sorry about the death of the 'smokester' Vicki and family. You are the best sister anyone could ask for Vicki. Be proud of the happiness and laughs smokey brought to everyone...and be proud of the wonderful things you did for him! Jackster
March 25, 2013
vickie my love to you on your loss ofd your brother, I know how much you loved him and he knew how much you loved him. I remember him saying you were his rock. He was a very sweet guy and loved by all of us.
The Reyman Family
March 25, 2013
Smokey, ALL & EVERYONE in Edwardsville will miss you. You were a great guy and loved by all. Prayers are sent out to all of your family & lifelong friends.
March 25, 2013
My sympathy and condolences to the Vanzo Family. Smokey was a genuine soul, and I'll never forget his friendship and quick witted humor. Edwardsville has lost another legend. Godspeed Smokey my friend, you will be missed by many.
Dave Hill
March 25, 2013
Two long time roommates Jim Hill and Jim Vanzo both died less than 12 hours apart. Loved you and will miss you Smokey.
Kathy and Larry Moore
March 25, 2013
Vicki and family, My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I have known him since the 7th grade and all the way thru High School. He was a great guy and will be truly missed.
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
Make a Donation
in James Vanzo's name
Memorial Events
for James Vanzo
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Vanzo's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
