Vincent J. Palmisano Sr.

Vincent J. Palmisano, Sr., 84, of Newington, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 after a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of Angela Marie (Carenza) Palmisano for 54 years. He was born and raised in New Britain and was active with St. Ann's Church and was a member of the St. Ann's Drum Corp. He was a veteran of WWII serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Whitley, traveling the Atlantic Ocean from Greenland to the Caribbean Islands. After the war, he returned to New Britain where he and his family owned and operated a successful landscaping business, Palmisano & Sons Landscaping. He worked in many other professions throughout the years, including a family owned Christmas Tree Stand on Dwight St. selling Christmas Trees with his brothers. He also worked at Dakille Studios as a professional wedding photographer and was employed by the Hartford Post Office before retiring. Vinnie built a home in Newington for his wife Marie and their three children. He was a member of the Church of the Holy Spirit for many years where he served as an usher and was active in the Men's Club and in the Mr. and Mrs. Club with his wife Marie. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. He loved the ocean and fishing, his favorite spot being Charleston, Rhode Island. He was an avid chess player and gardener; loved to cook and make his own wine. He was fun-loving, gregarious and made friends easily. He enjoyed gathering at McDonald's each morning with "the guys" where they enthusiastically discussed religion, politics and the meaning of life, and played weekly card games with family. He also loved to act as "Master of Ceremonies" at family events and hosted annual family reunions at his home in Newington for many years. He was an animal lover, especially fond of beagles. He enjoyed playing the harmonica and loved all types of music, but particularly enjoyed the group ABBA, which intrigued and amused his family. Throughout the years, he and Marie took pleasure in dancing together. For the past 15 years, he has consistently shown his support, love and devotion for Marie, who has been battling Alzheimer's disease. His presence always made her smile. A loving and devoted father and grandfather, he leaves behind three children; Christine and Paul Mills of Plantsville, Vincent Palmisano, Jr. and his wife Norina of Newington, Denise and Ernest Koeppen of La Canada-Flintridge, California, and two grandchildren who were the light of his life, ROTC Cadet Nicklaus Koeppen of Boulder, Colorado, and Alessandra Koeppen of La Canada-Flintridge, CA. He also leaves behind two sisters Marie Palmisano and Angie Dichicchio of New Britain, brothers Dominic and Vito Palmisano of New Britain, Peter Palmisano of Bristol, nieces and nephews and many cherished friends. Vincent was predeceased by his brother John Palmisano. The family wishes to thank the Hospital of Central CT oncology staff for their love, compassion and support. His funeral service will begin on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. with a family eulogy at the Newington Memorial Funeral Home, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 183 Church St., Newington. He will be laid to rest in St. Mary Cemetery, New Britain. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Newington Memorial. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 825 Brook St., I-91 Tech Center #3, Rocky Hill, CT 06067. To share a memory with his family, please visit us at www.newingtonmemorial.com.