Stephen G. Vasciannie Sr., age 81 years, of Caledonia, a talented mason and contractor, was called to rest after a long illness on January 3, 2004. Mr. Vasciannie (affectionately called Mr. V.) was born July 18, 1922 in Galina/Port Maria, Jamaica. He was one of seven children born to Charles and Gladys Vasciannie. Stephen was retired as a union mason and as the president of Steve General Contractor, Inc., one of the largest minority commercial construction companies in western New York, based in Caledonia now operated by his five sons. At the tender age of 17, he left Jamaica to find work on the Panama Canal. Four years later Mr. Vasciannie came to Springfield, MA making tires for the war effort. He came to this area on a farm program and drove truck for Batzing Farms in Caledonia. He obtained his citizenship in 1946. A year later he married Hilda Starkweather, a local resident. He personally built the family home, which was expanded through the years as it exists today. He joined the mason union and as a key man he was instrumental in the construction of many of the local schools, colleges, hospitals and churches. He would still moonlight and build basements and fireplaces for people in the community. In 1953, he went on his own as an independent contractor. In 1973 he began to perform government contracts. The business grew rapidly and with the addition of his sons it became a well-respected firm. Stephen also had a love for the great outdoors. He loved trap shooting, fishing, gardening and other outdoor activities. He was a co-founder of the Falcon Trap and Game Club in Mumford and built the clubhouse on Flint Hill Road. Stephen was a long time supporter of Second Baptist Church in Mumford and the Wesleyan Church in Avon. He renovated and constructed additions on both churches. Stephen was sadly widowed in 1976. He is survived by two daughters; Gladys and Harriett Vasciannie both of Rochester; five sons; Steve Jr. of Avon, Richard (Ida) of Caledonia, William (Margarite) of Chili, Charles (Patricia) of LeRoy, and David (Peggy) Vasciannie of Batavia; brothers; Sidney of Rochester, James of Buffalo, Phil and Paul of New York City; 13 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; special friends Sylva Lee of Rochester and Rosemary Lucas of Caledonia.

   Friends called Wednesday, 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Stephenson-Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc., 350 Genesee Street, Avon. His Funeral Service was held Thursday, 2 PM at Aenon Baptist Church, 175 Genesee Street, Rochester. Private Interment. Memorials may be made to Second Baptist Church Building Fund, 957 George Street, Mumford, NY 14511 Or the Falcon Trap & Game Club, 9972 Flint Hill Road, Mumford, NY 14511. Arrangements by Alhart Funeral Home.