Jay Vetere | “The Heart of Vetere Melons”

GREEN RIVER- Eugenio “Jay” Vetere a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend returned home to his Heavenly Father on July 2, 2017. Jay was born on February 4, 1934 in Green River, Utah to Giovanni Vetere Sr. and Mary Sacco Vetere. Jay spent his childhood on a small family farm where he began his melon raising career. During his high school years, Jay enjoyed playing basketball and was Salutatorian of his senior class. 
He met the love of his life, Jacqueline (Jackie) Irene DeLong, and the two were married on November 12, 1955 in Sedona, Arizona. Shortly thereafter, Jay was drafted into the Army where he was a Marksman and served his country in Washington and Alaska.
After returning from the Army in the fall of 1957, they made their home in Green River where they raised their sons on the family farm. In the summer of 1958, Jay and Jackie started selling melons to travelers from around the world and wholesalers in several states. For 59 years Jay has put and kept Green River/Vetere Melons on the map. While raising melons he also worked in the Uranium Industry until he went to work at White Sands Missile Base for 28 years.
Jay took great pride in raising his three sons on a family farm where he instilled good family values and a strong work ethic. True joy came to him in supporting his sons in every aspect of their lives from their high school athletic activities, to their hunting adventures, and watching them raise their own families. To this day Jay had an undeniable bond with his sons and loved that they remained in Green River and continued working side by side with him.
Jay was the “cream of the crop” to his Grandkids where he taught them love, how to work, and the importance of family. He was a hero to his family and a friend to all that crossed his path. He always had a listening ear and was willing to lend a helping hand.
Jays strengths and courage were evident when he lost his arm in a corn chopper accident in October 2003 as Jay would say “leaving him a little short handed”, but that never slowed him down. He continued picking watermelon and his love for hunting with his sons, grandkids, and Tory Brock, who he considered his fourth son.
Jay is survived by his three sons of Green River, Tim (LuRey) Vetere, Mitch (Sheri) Vetere, Greg (Rita) Vetere, a sister Ida Vetere Ryan of Valencia California, 9 grandchildren Taffee (Korry), Weston, Brittney (Dodger), Ciji (Terrill), Blair (Markie) Heidi (Aaron), Jill, Caitlyn, 11 great grandchildren Jaci, Audri, Jamison, Brock, Naomi, Natalie, Weston, Faith, Dodger, Nash, Tinley, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife of 50 years Jackie, grandson Jace, siblings Louie, Frank, Charlie, John, and Rose, and his parents
Funeral service will be held Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing from 9:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. at Green River Companies Shop, 2163 Hastings Road Green River Utah (approximately 2 miles North on Hastings Road). Interment at Elgin Cemetery.
Jay Vetere’s family would like to thank all of the people who have helped and shown their support throughout Jay’s life. A special thanks goes out to Stephanie Hales for all of her tender loving care.
Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net.