Peter J. Vessella

Grandy resident

Peter James Vessella, 79, of 115 Larry Avenue, Grandy, died Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at his residence. He was born in New Castle, and attended New Castle High School in 1949. He was the son of the late Harrison and Mrs. Alice Richey Vessella and was the widower of Donnis Sharber Vessella. Mr. Vessella was retired from the US Navy as a Chief Petty Officer in Electronics and also served in Korea. Following his retirement, he also retired from NORSHIPCO as assistant plant manager with twenty five years of service. He is survived by his daughter, Linda Lou Dudley of Fair Bluff; two sons, Samuel J. Vessella of Grandy, Edwin H. Weaver of Hendersonville; two sisters, Lillie Mae Shaffer of New Wilmington, Pa. and Shirley Croll of Slippery Rock, Pa.; a brother-in-law, James M. Fellows of Chesapeake, Va.; and grandchildren, Thomas E. Powell, James B. Powell, Joyce (Dorie) Pope, Lisa Holbrooks, Sandy Carroll and Kim Durant. Mr. Vessella was preceded in death by a brother, Peter H. Vessella. He will be dearly missed. We love you grandpa. A private memorial service and gathering will be held at the home of his granddaughter, Joyce (Dorie) Pope on Worth Guard Road in Coinjock, today at 3 p.m. Twiford Funeral Home, Memorial Chapel, 405 East Church Street, Elizabeth City, is serving the Vessella family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.twifordfh.com.