John “Ion” Vasile

John “Ion” Vasile passed away unexpectedly at his home in Bennington on Wednesday morning. A printer by trade, he and his wife Victoria came to the U.S. as political refugees with their thirteen year old daughter Ioana in 1985. Seeking asylum from Ceausescu’s communist dictatorship of Romania, they made their way through Europe until finally landing on the U.S. shore in N.Y. with two hundred dollars and little knowledge of the language, but a firm determination to build a new life for themselves in a free country. Born near the southern border of Romania in 1936, life was difficult for a young man growing up under the weight of the Soviet sphere of influence as his family was forcibly displaced several times by the regime. This burden could not stop young Ion from becoming a passionate man who became an athlete on the soccer pitch, a traditional folk dancer, and a loving, adventurous husband who loved to share excursions in the majestic Carpathian Mountains with his wife. Though deeply troubled by the freedoms denied him, especially the ability to travel, it could not discourage an enduring love for his country, as he always kept Romania close to his heart. The family finally settled in central New Jersey when he had the good fortune of securing work within two weeks of arrival. He would begin by becoming a building superintendent, a job that also secured residence. He and his family learned the language and immediately set upon the long road to American citizenship, and sure enough, swore the oath together in1990. As the years passed, he found his way back into the printing trade and secured the American dream of home ownership. Upon retirement he spent many of his days with a new passion; the creation of many oil paintings of tranquil landscapes. Though he dreamt of it often, he never did return to his native land. He will be laid to rest at Park Lawn Cemetery near his home in Bennington Vermont. He is survived by his wife Victoria, daughter Ioana and her husband of seventeen years Vincent Drew. Fr. Wayne Bell will lead a service on Tuesday, May 9th in the Chapel at the Shea Funeral Home 213 West Main Street, Bennington VT. at 11AM.