Gilbert L. Nespeca

Gilbert L. Nespeca, 80, of Cashtown, PA, and Youngstown, OH, died Monday, March 23, at the Gettysburg Hospital. He was the son of Italian immigrants Guido and Giulia Nespeca, who were from Porto D'Ascoli, the Marche region of Italy. He lived in Youngstown his entire life, until 2008, when he and his wife took up temporary residence in the Gettysburg area to provide caregiving for his now 101 year old mother-in-law, Elizabeth R. McCleaf. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Sue McCleaf Nespeca, a Gettysburg native; daughter Lisa Nespeca (Greg Sanders), Oak Park, IL; son John Nespeca, Tryon, NC; five grandchildren, Sydney Mizzelle, Dominic and Orlando Sanders, and Amelia and Jasper Nespeca; four nephews and four nieces, Susan (Anthony) Muscatello and David (Susan) Nespeca, Youngstown, Ohio, Larry (Christy) and Thomas (Rebecca) McCleaf, Sarah (Nicholas) Ruffner, Chantel Hassinger, Coye (Linda) Shoop, and Cristy (Rob) Lucia, and brother-in-laws Larry and Ronald (Phyllis) McCleaf, all from Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Margo Nespeca, a sister, Christina DePaul, brother, Phillip Nespeca and nephew, Phillip Nespeca. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. On January 16, 1959, he was appointed as a cadet firefighter for the Youngstown Fire Department, retiring in 1992 with rank of Captain after 33 years of service. In 1987, he received the "Fireman of the Year" Award from the Youngstown Fire Department, in part because of his rescue of a young girl his first day back on the job after being off duty for several months recovering from injuries from fighting another fire. The television interview of his rescue became a human interest story that won journalistic awards on the state level for a local television station. His ending comment of the interview, "It's just my job," became a catch phrase for firefighters on his crew. Gil was an avid reader, a history buff, a die-hard Cleveland Browns and Indians fan, and a crossword puzzle aficionado. His real joy though was his delight in cooking for others, including his fire crew, but especially Italian dishes for his family and relatives. He also loved gardening and canning fruits and vegetables. Recently he became a member of Flohrs Lutheran Church, McKnightstown, PA, after being a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Youngstown, OH, for 28 years. The family would like to thank Dr. Tina Khair, oncologist at the Gettysburg Cancer Center, for her care, continual advice, and constant support through his final days. Her indefatigable upbeat spirit provided abundant strength for Gil's family. The family would also like to thank Dr. H. Frederick Martin, family physician, for his extended care during Gil's long hospitalization, and Dr. Chris Wetzel, who also assisted. Special thanks to all doctors and nurses who provided care at the hospital, particularly the nurses and aides from the Critical Care Unit. A service honoring his life will be held at Flohrs Lutheran Church, March 28 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Tom Darr officiating. Calling hours will be Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Dugan Funeral Home, Inc., Bendersville, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cashtown Fire Department, PO Box 172, Cashtown, PA 17310; Flohrs Lutheran Church, 595 Flohrs Church Road, McKnightstown, PA 17343 or Zion Lutheran Church, 3300 Canfield Road, Youngstown, OH 44509.