Mr. Matthew Roger Gaspa, 83 a lifelong resident of Utica entered into eternal rest on Thursday April 16, 2009. Roger was born in Utica on July 23, 1925 the son of Joseph and Nellie (Santos) Gaspa. He was raised locally, attended Sacred Heart grade school and was a graduate of Whitesboro High School. As a US Navy Veteran, Roger proudly served aboard the USS Forester during WW II. On September 20, 1947, Roger married Katherine DiMaggio at St. Mary's Church in Frankfort. For many years, he was employed with Kelsey Hayes Corporation until retiring in 1986. He served as chief union steward of the local International Association of Machinists (IAM) and was a member and past president of the Kelsey Hayes Retirees Association. Roger was a parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Utica and past member of the former Blessed Sacrament Church in Utica. He was an avid bowler and sports enthusiast who enjoyed sharing his vast knowledge of sports and sports trivia with others. Roger was a devoted family man. His family was the center of his life and he will be deeply missed by the many people he has loved, cared for and nurtured throughout his life. Mr. Gaspa is survived by his beloved wife Katherine of 62 years; two daughters, Katherine I. Clark of New Hartford and Gerrie Gaspa of Boston, MA; his cherished grand daughter, Valerie Sitler "Pumpkin" of New Hartford; great grandson, Benjamin Matthew Sitler "his Benji" of New Hartford; one brother, Joseph Gaspa of Utica; two sisters-in-law, Pearl Roberts of Prescott, AZ and Saundra Dreikorn of Jupiter Island, Fl and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Helen Gaspa and three brothers, Lenny, John and George Gaspa. Mr. Gaspa's memorial mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday April 18, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Utica. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. Those wishing to make a donation in Roger's memory may consider the Abraham House 1203 Kemble St. Utica NY 13501 or the Thea Bowman House, 731 Lafayette St. Utica NY 13502. Roger's Family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Samantha Acosta, Roger's devoted caregiver for the compassionate care and love you provided. Also a special thank you to Steve Forbes and the entire Sitrin Healthcare team for the wonderful care you prided to Roger.