Obituary of Jesse E. Vics

I Jesse Edward Vics (79) passed away July 16, 2014 from complications of a stroke, which occurred June 14th of this year. Born on May 29th 1935, in Brooklyn NY, he was the eldest son of the late Irving and Esther Vics. Jesse was living his dream as a retired snowbird with his wife of 56 years and spent his summers in Lake George. He is survived by his wife Renie Vics (nee Shear) and children Howard, Michele, David and Tracy Vics, grandchildren Joshua, Gabriel, Keturah and Carson Vics, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was a graduate of the Albany State Teachers College and obtained his Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He also held a Masters Degree in Public Administration from SUNY Albany. He served with honor in the US Air Force and retired as a Captain, settling in Albany, NY in 1963. Jesse was in private practice as a Doctor of Optometry from 1963 until his retirement in 1995. He and Renie retired to Duluth, Georgia where they lived until 2011 after which they moved to Columbus, Ohio. He was much admired and respected for his volunteer work with the Boy Scouts of America, Kiwanis, the American Legion, the Special Olympics and Meals on Wheels. He served on the Board of Directors of the Albany Medical Center, and was a member of the board of the Visiting Nurse Association of Albany. In addition, he was one of the founders of the Colonie Youth Center (SCORE), and was instrumental in the founding of the Gwinnett Sentinels of Freedom, a service organization that assists disabled veterans. He also worked with the Alzheimer's Association of Delaware County, Ohio and the county Board of Elections. Jesse was an avid skier and volunteered as a ski instructor for the Disabled Ski program at Windham Mountain, and volunteered his time with many other charitable organizations. Jesse was an inspiration and a positive role model as a husband, father, medical professional, mentor, teacher and friend. He was eternally optimistic about life and all its possibilities. His perpetual smile, warm eyes, and endearing embraces, engaged everyone he met. His boundless passion for goodwill was only eclipsed by his immeasurable love for his immediate and extended family. A celebration of life for Jesse will be held at the Italian American Community Center, 257 Washington Avenue Extension in Albany on Saturday, August 2nd in the Puccini Room from 12 noon until 4 pm. A luncheon will be served at 1:00pm. The family would like to extend this invitation to family and friends and invite you to share any stories or photos of Jesse that you may have. All specific dietary needs will be accommodated Those planning to attend the memorial celebration for Jesse, kindly RSVP to lmc649@aol.com . Donations can be made in his name to the Boy Scouts of America and the Alzheimer's Association.