Vernon O. "Gramps" Belge

Vernon "Gramps" O. Belge, 96, of North Syracuse, died Saturday at the VA Medical Center in Syracuse. Vernon was born in Syracuse and resided in East Syracuse, Mattydale, Cicero and finally North Syracuse. He was the son of the late Otto and Mary (Markert) Belge.

Vernon was a US Army Veteran of World War II serving during the European Theatre where he earned a Purple Heart. He retired in 1980 after 30 years as a Truck Mechanic from East Syracuse Chevrolet. Vernon was a life member of the VFW Simon Parise Post #9596 in East Syracuse and a member of the Copper Creek Association. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and a former communicant of St. Margaret's Church in Mattydale.

Vernon was predeceased by his wife, Lillian, in 1976.

Surviving is his daughter: Verna "Dee" (Thomas) Baker of North Syracuse; three grandchildren: William (Becky) Baker of Walworth, Tammy (Tom) Braunscheidel of Pendleton, Debra (Peter) Doupe of Central Square; four great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Contributions in Vernon's memory may be made to Syracuse VA CLC, Attn: Claudia Hanai, 800 Irving Ave., Syracuse, NY 13210, or to the North Syracuse Volunteer Fire Dept., 109 Chestnut Street, North Syracuse, NY 13212.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 3-7 pm at Krueger Funeral Home, 2619 Brewerton Rd., Mattydale. Funeral Services are Wednesday, 11:00 am, at the funeral home followed by a burial will be in North Syracuse Cemetery.