Fidelis Tropeano

Fidelis Tropeano, 79, of Morganton, NC died Tuesday, October 29, 2024.

Born in 1945 to Italian immigrants, Fidelis Tropeano spent his early years living in Jersey City, NJ where he learned about the construction industry. He enjoyed spending time with his close-knit extended family in the city, even helping his Uncle Frank at the fish market during the holidays. The family then moved to Greenbrook, NJ where he and his older brothers, Bruno and Vince, found their love of muscle cars. After graduating from Dunellen High School in 1963, he enlisted in the army where he served in Europe. Upon returning, he married Lois Elizabeth Wadge, began working in heavy equipment mechanics at Foley Caterpillar, settled in Piscataway and had two children, Christine and Nicholas. From there, the family moved to rural Hunterdon County, NJ where they built a house and a barn and raised livestock and grew Christmas trees. As empty nesters and retirees, Dale and Lois relocated to the panhandle of Florida where he learned a new trade as a HVAC technician. After enjoying beach life in Santa Rosa Beach, the couple opted for a quieter life in the mountains of Morganton, NC. There he enjoyed helping his son build a home on Lake James, helping neighbors with handyman projects and competing in car shows with his 1967 Camaro.

Now he is reunited with his parents, Domenick and Josephine Tropeano, and an infant brother, David.

He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Lois, daughter Christine Gladney, and son in law Johnny Gladney, son, Nicholas Tropeano, and daughter in law Tracy Tropeano, grandchildren, Heather and Helen Gladney, Uncle and Aunt, Peter and Helen Tropiano, Aunt Josie Tropeano, brothers and their wives, Bruno, Betty, Vince and Cecelia, sister Donna Bregman and husband Steve Bregman along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the generous neighbors of Silver Creek Plantation who helped the family during his final days as he lost his battle with colon cancer.

The funeral was held on November 6th at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain, NC.

Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.