Former Gaels football defensive assistant coach and 2009 Vanier Cup champion Bob Vespaziani passed away January 20 in Lakefield with his family at his side.
Vespaziani was the defensive coach working with the defensive line with the Gaels for the better parts of 2008 through to 2014. He was a member of the historic 2009 coaching staff that saw the Gaels win the Yates and Vanier Cups – his first Vanier Cup title. Most recently, Vespaziani returned to the sidelines as a defensive assistant with the Carleton Ravens.
Vespaziani amassed an extensive coaching resume, he was a defensive consultant for six years with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and was no stranger to the CFL. He coached with such clubs as Calgary, Winnipeg, and B.C. appearing in the Grey Cup seven times and winning three championships.
Before the CFL, he spent 10 seasons at Acadia University and was inducted into the Acadia Hall of Fame as a Coach and Builder.
Source: Queen’s Gaels
Message from the family;
VESPAZIANI: Robert āBobā Amedeo, passed away peacefully on Saturday January 20, 2018. Loved and missed by his wife Sheila and by his children Robert āBobā (Franca) of Toronto, Michael (Debbie) of Denver, Colorado, Lori Beck (Jeff) of White Rock, B.C., Joseph of Everett, Washington and Jennifer Vespaziani-Grant (Matt) of White Rock, B.C. Loving grandfather of Uma, Leni, Kali, Jade, Julian, Miles, Remy, Camlin, Vander, Kaya and great grandchildren Alexia Sophia, Emma Rosalee and Aida June. Predeceased by his parents.
A funeral service will be held at THE HENDREN FUNERAL HOMES, LAKEFIELD CHAPEL, 66 Queen Street, Lakefield on Friday January 26, 2018 at 1:00 PM. Memorial donations may be made to St. Elizabeth Healthcare or Hospice Peterborough as expressions of sympathy and may be made by contacting the funeral home at www.hendrenfuneralhome.com or by calling 705-652-3355.
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