John “Ace “Congemi, 95

Youngstown – A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, September 16, 2015 at noon at St. Joseph’s Church, Austintown with Rev. Greg Fedor officiating, preceded by a 11 am prayer service at Rossi & Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave in Boardman, for John “Ace” Congemi, 95, who passed away peacefully on September 11, 2015 at Masternick’s Windsor House Nursing Home in New Middletown, with his loving family by his side.
Ace was born January 27, 1920 in Youngstown, the son of John and Anne Marie Congemi.
Ace was a 1938 graduate of East High School, where he earned three letters in football and basketball and one in baseball. He was also inducted into East High School’s Hall of Fame for excelling in football. He earned a football scholarship to The Ohio State University and later returned to his hometown to play for Dicke Beede and the Youngstown Penguins. Ace is also a member and inductee of the Curbstone Coaches Hall of Fame for Football.
Ace courageously served his country in the United States Air Force.
Ace was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He retired after 40 years at General Fireproofing where he played fast-pitch softball and basketball for the company teams. Ace enjoyed playing and watching golf, football and attending the sporting events of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a devoted father, grandfather and husband. Ace was well known for his gentle, kind heart and devotion to his family. He was a great example to his family and he will be greatly missed.
Ace was preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Helen, who passed in 2009. Ace leaves behind to cherish his memory his sons; John “Ace” Congemi Jr. (Camille) of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and Anthony Congemi of Boardman; a daughter, Genevieve Lampen (Jack) of St. Louis; a brother, Mike “Deuce” Congemi (Lou); a sister, Jose Marie Herchick both of Campbell; 10 grandchildren, John (Carmella) Congemi, Joelen (James) Greco and Dominic (Amanda) Congemi all of Fort Lauderdale, Melanie Congemi, Dean (Amanda) Congemi, Lauren and Katie Congemi, all of Boardman and Jeanine (James) Gonzales, Gina (Keith) Sanders and Jennifer Vermillion all of St. Louis; 13 great-grandchildren, Cassandra and Johnnie Congemi, James Matthew Greco, Cassandra and Preston Stitt, Connor Dean and Caleb Congemi, Zach, Noah, Jacob and Gabrielle Gonzales and Olivia and Jack Sanders.
He was preceded in death by 5 brothers Joseph, Ross, Peter, Frank and Chucky Congemi and 1 sister Rosie Hupp.
Friends may call Tuesday, September 15, 2015 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Rossi Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave in Boardman.
Entombment will take place at Calvary Cemetery where full military honors for Ace's dedicated service to our country will be further honored by the Great Men of V.F.W. Post 9571 of Ellsworth.
Tony Congemi and family would like to thank staff at Masternick Nursing Home for their exceptional compassion and loving care of our father and grandfather Ace.
Family and friends may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com to view this tribute and send condolences to Ace’s family.

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