JOSEPH J. VINCI Sr.

1912 - 2017

VINCI, JOSEPH J., SR.Joseph J. Vinci, Sr. affectionately known to his friends as J.J., passed away on February 11, 2017. Born on March 3, 1912 in Middletown, CT to Nicolo Vinci and Lucia (Micciulla) Vinci, he was predeceased by brothers Francis Vinci, Salvatore J. Vinci and Sebastian Vinci, his sister Anna (Vinci) Aresco, and his loving wife of 72 years, Mary E. (Scirpo) Vinci. J.J. was a life long resident of Middletown, except for the six years 1914-1918 that he spent back in Melilli, Sicily as his father Nick fought for Italy during World War I. J.J. came back to Middletown at the age of six, with both of his parents and baby sister Anna, aboard the ship Roma. J.J. was enrolled in St. John's school where he was an outstanding student and a favorite pupil of the many nuns that taught him. St. John's always held a special place in his heart as he would often recall his time there, ringing the church bells for lunch and helping the sisters with their chores. He loved when the sister's referred to him as master Vinci. J.J. left St. John's in the seventh grade to begin a life long love affair with his work and never forgot the sisters staying in touch and helping them get around once he had a car. J.J.'s first job was to drive a team of draft horses, delivering brick for the Tuttle Brick Company. J.J. worked himself up the ladder, next to the Kiln, then loading brick and unloading brick. Soon he would ask Mr. Tuttle for his business and traded in his 1926 Buick for a new truck to haul brick between Connecticut and Massachusetts. His many relationships would help him grow the company. Early on he supplied material for the construction of the Arrigoni Bridge and Merritt Parkway. In 1934, J.J. continued to grow as he formed the J.J. Vinci Coal Company that serviced many commercial accounts including the Russell Corporation and then becoming the first retail supplier of coal to Middletown residents. During WWII, J.J. saw his business grow as he continued to supply coal and later fuel oil to many industries that were supporting the war effort including Pratt and Whitney. J.J. began to haul oil for the Gulf Oil Corporation and soon became a wholesale dealer for the southern New England region. J.J. also added liquid asphalt products and road contracting services to the company and participated in the initial construction of I-95 and I-84 in Connecticut. In the 1970's and 80's he added Oil Terminals to the company's portfolio. These terminals would prove crucial in helping the region through the OPEC Oil Embargo of 1973-74 and the Oil Crisis in 1979. For over 40 years the J.J. Vinci Companies would continue to supply material and transport liquid asphalt for the State of Connecticut and its road construction. J.J. would go on to found six different companies in the oil and real estate industry and enjoyed being actively involved in each. He loved remodeling his Starr Mill property, which was always his work in progress. J.J. recently celebrated his 82nd year in business and Governor Daniel P. Malloy and the Department of Consumer Protection honored and proclaimed him at 104 years of age, the Dean of Occupational License Holders. J.J. loved America. He believed that it was his responsibility to give back to both the community and the country that afforded him such great opportunity. He supported many local charities and organizations. For 25 years, he organized and was chairman of the Saint Sebastian Cadillac Raffle. He was a founder and the first president of the Italian American Civic Order. He was a life member of the 100 Club of Connecticut, The Elks, The Knights of Columbus 4th degree, and The Moose Club. He was a member or board member of Connecticut Association of Street & Highway Officials (CASHO), The Middlesex Chamber of Commerce, United States Small Business Administration, New England Police Chief's Association, Connecticut Police Chief's Association, National Association of State Fire Marshall's, Connecticut Fire Marshall's Association and his favorite BOD/Advisory role with Liberty Bank, where he looked forward to participating in the annual meeting. J.J. was also generous with his time and would help the people that he could, always pointing them in the right direction. He loved people and entertaining was a pastime for him, whether it was business or pleasure, he would pull out all the stops to make the encounter special for all of those present. J.J. was thankful for his countless customers and their loyalty. He loved to talk shop with fellow business people and called many of Connecticut's greatest leaders his friends and allies. His kindness towards his fellow man was without equal and spanned 10 decades. His handshake was all that was needed because like his word, his handshake was his bond, it was legendary. J.J. is survived by his three loving children, Joseph J. Vinci, Jr., Robert F. Vinci and Rosemarie Vinci, all of Middletown. A grandson, Michael J. Turner, his wife Mary J. Turner and his three adoring great grandchildren, Nicholas, Lauren and Christian Turner, his sisters-in-law, Ann Scirpo and Margaret (Peggy) Scirpo, as well as several nieces and nephews.Calling hours will be held on Thursday February 16 from 4 to 8pm at D'Angelo Funeral Home, 22 South Main St., Middletown. Friends may join the family at D'Angelo Funeral home on Friday morning at 9 am to be with the funeral procession. A mass of Christian burial will be held at Saint Sebastian Church on 155 Washington Street, Middletown Friday at 10 am. Interment will be at St Sebastian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint Sebastian Church.