Vincent J. Speranza

Vincent J. Speranza 98 of Auburn died on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 in Springfield, Illinois in the company of his family. 

He was born in Manhattan, New York to parents Francesco and Francesca (Perratori) Speranza on March 23, 1925. 

In 1943, he enlisted in the United States Army and fought in the European Theater in the Battle of the Bulge with the H Company, 501 PIR, 101st Airborne Division during WWII.

Upon his return from the war, he married Iva Leftwich in New York in 1948 and she preceded him in death in 2017. They raised 3 children together while he taught history at Curtis High School. Also, preceded in death by one daughter, Susan Erwin Pietrangelo.

He then went on to serve as a union representative for the Illinois Education Association as well and several labor unions in Springfield, Illinois from 1971-1980. 

He retired to Florida with his wife, where they spent many years before returning back to Illinois. 

In words too simple, he enjoyed life. He traveled extensively in his last decade and met many new friends.  He loved to share stories, play his harmonica and sing songs with an accompanying scotch and a cigar. He wrote a personal memoir, "Nuts!", about his WWII experience and participated in numerous speaking engagements for veterans and active military groups. 

He is survived by his son, Vince Speranza (wife-Tracy), his daughter Kathy Wilson (husband-Jim); 8 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sisters, Rosemarie Rich and Connie Beer of New Jersey and brother Al of Staten Island. 

Vitiation will be held from 5pm till 7pm,  Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at Bramley Funeral Home in Auburn.  Private family graveside services will be at a later date in Auburn Cemetery with full military honors. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made the Chatham/Auburn VFW, Post 4763, 214 W. Chestnut, Chatham, IL, 62629.

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