Wayne Vassalotti

Beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Respected teacher, coach, and mentor. Treasured friend. Wayne Vassalotti passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, April 28, 2012 with his family at his side.

“Coach” Wayne Vassalotti attended Claymont High School, where he played football and ran track. He was named in the Delaware All-State football team and went on to play college football at West Virginia University, graduating in 1967. He taught industrial arts for thirty years, beginning at Claymont High School and completing 29 years at John Dickinson High School where he served as Technology Department Chairman, National Educators Association local chairman, and earned numerous awards for teaching excellence. He was an assistant football coach at Dickinson from 1968 through 1980. A devoted father he ended his coaching tenure at Dickinson HS to support his own children in their pursuits, but St. Elizabeth High School recruited him to coach football and he stayed through the 1986 season. In addition, he founded the St. Elizabeth wresting program, coaching from 1982 through 1987. He was greatly respected by hundreds of students and student athletes he touched through the years.

Wayne was a pillar of the community. He served his beloved St. Elizabeth’s Church as an Eucharistic minister, a Catholic Youth Organization parental advisor, and development contributor. He served as co-chair of the committees that raised funds for and built the Mary Rose Poppiti Wing and the St. Elizabeth “E” Center on the parish grounds.

Wayne was preceded in death by his son, David F. Vassalotti; and his brother, Ralphie Vassalotti. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Pamela Hickey Vassalotti; his son, Colonel Michael J. Vassalotti, U.S. Army and his wife Tracey; three grandsons, Michael II, Alexander, and Justin; his mother-in-law, Anna Hickey; his brother, William and his wife Fran; and his aunts, Dolores Seramone, and Edith Warmkessel.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Elizabeth R. C. Church, Oak & Clayton Sts., Wilmington on Thursday, May 3, 2012 at 10 am. Friends may call at Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home, 1400 Kirkwood Hwy., Elsmere on Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 pm. Interment in Cathedral Cemetery, Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the David Vassalotti Memorial Scholarship Fund, St. Elizabeth High School, 1501 Cedar St., Wilmington, DE 19805.

Krienen-Griffith
994-9614
www.Delawarefuneral.com

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