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Leon Vinci Obituary
4/18/25
On April 18, 2025, Leon Francis Vinci, MPH, PhD, a former innovative and progressive Health Director for the City of Middletown, CT, passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family.
Dr. Leon Vinci, a distinguished figure in public and environmental health, had dedicated more than three decades to advancing community well-being and public health preparedness across the United States.
Born and raised in Middletown, CT, Leon earned his Bachelor's degree from Wesleyan University, followed by a Masters in Public Health from the Yale School of Public Health. He later achieved a doctorate from the Medical University of South Carolina.
Throughout his career, Leon held leadership roles in local and county public health departments across Connecticut, Nebraska and Kansas. His commitment to environmental health led him to participate in various national and international committees and task forces. Leon also taught at several universities including Drexel University, Yale University and the University of Nebraska. He was recognized as a Climate and Health Leader by ecoAmerica, received the 2020 A. Clark Slaymaker Honor by the Virginia Environmental Health Association and served as a Climate Ambassador with the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).
Leon was a huge fan of road trips, food and sports, frequently combining all three on weekend trips with his children from Philly to DC, NYC and the Midwest. You could catch him in his silver Jeep on the highway listening to his favorite Woodstock tunes, excited for his next adventure.
Leon is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Doug Vinci and Brooke Miller; grandsons, Nate, Ryan and Aiden; son, Michael Vinci; and daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Kyle O'Neill; brother, Keith Vinci, nephews and niece, Jonathan, Justin and Rebecca; former wife, Debora, as well as countless friends and colleagues whose lives were touched by his work and spirit.
Calling hours will be at D'Angelo Funeral Home, 22 South Main St., Middletown, CT on Friday, June 13 from 4-7 p.m. A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 14 at 10 a.m. at St. Sebastian Church, 155 Washington St., Middletown, CT. Burial will follow at St. Sebastian Cemetery, Middlefield, CT.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Leon's memory to Good Samaritan Hospice in Roanoke, VA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Leon Vinci
Sponsored by MiddletownPress.com.
Rachelle Rutledge Woike
May 28, 2025
Dear Keith & Family,,
I was so very sorry to read the passing of your Dad, Brother, Husband & Uncle.
I knew Leon through Keith, both were truly fine men. So good to see Leon went on to do so many great things with his life. The Vinci's are a very remarkable family. My best to Keith and the family.. ~May The God's Shine Their Graces On You All~ Rachelle / Fla.
Tony Jaskot
May 27, 2025
Growing up with you and Keith in the best neighborhood ever was truly a blessing. I especially loved the summers at City School Field with all of our great friends. My brother Joe and I were happy and proud to continue our friendship at Xavier. It was clearly evident that you would be a successful leader throughout your adult life.
Rest in Peace Leon!
Graeme Mitchell
May 27, 2025
Please accept my deepest condolences. As an academic from the UK, I met Leon through the NEHA conferences and he immediately took me under his wing. His friendship, warmth and knowledge will be sorely missed. I will raise a glass to him tonight.
Suzanne Brennan Watson
May 26, 2025
I remember Leon from Grammar School. He was smart and kind. The kind of person you don't forget. A life well lived
Deb Kleckowski
May 26, 2025
Leon was terrific! He was dedicated, and creative bringing the Health Dept. to a whole new level!! Leon was one of a kind, compassionate, thoughtful, dedicated and community- centered. He was an inspiration! Deepest condolences to his family.
Donna S. Babcock
May 25, 2025
My condolences to the Vinci family. Leon, yours was a life well lived. You accomplished much and made a difference. Rest in peace my friend.
Jeffrey Palmer
May 24, 2025
Leon was a leader from his earliest days.
I clearly remember his as a charismatic camp counselor at the Camp Tadma Boy Scout camp back in the 1960s guiding us through our early Boy Scout training. And at every stage going forward, that confidence and positivity touched everyone he came in contact with.
My condolences to the family.
John Robinson
May 24, 2025
Rest in Peace Leon..Job well done..Praying for the Family..
Gail Melluzzo
May 24, 2025
My condolences to the Vinci family.
Terry ORourke
May 24, 2025
Rip
Stan Koba
May 24, 2025
Keith and your entire family, my deepest condolences for the passing of Leon. I remember him well from Xavier...his life truly made a difference...
Bill & Betty Corvo
May 24, 2025
Sad to hear of the passing of our good friend Leon Vinci. He was a nice person. He did a great job as Middletown's Health Director and made major contributions to our community. Our most sincere condolences to his family.
Stephen Gionfriddo
May 24, 2025
Leon will be greatly missed. He was a great guy with an impressive career. My condolences to his family.
John A Giuliano
May 24, 2025
Rest in Peace Leon. You were here and then you were there. You never stayed still. We go back to St, Sebastian's, Xavier High School, Middletown Health Department and then you were gone, to return many times. You did well.
Richard O'Rourke
May 24, 2025
RIP
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