David James Vinci

David James Vinci, 73, of Mattawan, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at his home.

He was born December 9, 1951, in West Chester, Pennsylvania, the son of Dominick J. Vinci and Betty Jean (Leeper) Vinci. He graduated from Upper Darby (Pennsylvania) High School in 1969. He attended Pennsylvania State University at both Altoona and State College campuses as a United States Army ROTC student. He graduated in December 1973, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Health. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1973.

David had many hobbies and interests throughout his life. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America from Cubs to Explorers. He loved hiking, camping, and cooking over an open fire. These interests transferred over to his involvement with the living history community when he became involved with reenacting the colonial and the Civil War periods of American history.

History was a lifelong passion for Dave. He loved to know about the growth of the United States from the first settlements to present day. He was captivated by the railroads that served the country, and he became an avid railfan. That interest also included the model railroading hobby, which he began at about 8 years old. For the past 40 years, a museum-quality, operational HO-scale model railroad was his art as well as his therapy. The Pennsylvania Railroad was his favorite, and he modeled an imaginary segment of it, dated around 1928. He was a long-time member of the National Model Railroad Association, and he was one of the founding members of the Division 9 Chapter of the organization for southwest Michigan. He was also a member of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Chapter of the Pennsylvania Railroad Technical & Historical Society, editing and publishing their quarterly newsletter over several years.

David loved music of all genres but was inspired by the banjo. The New Year’s Day Mummers’ Parade in Philadelphia introduced him to the happy sounds of the banjo when he was a boy. The folk music and bluegrass movements from the 1960s onward inspired Dave to teach himself chords on the banjo, and later, learn the clawhammer style of playing. He practiced almost every day and had around 100 songs in his repertoire.

Dave relaxed by working with his hands. He was a talented woodworker, woodcarver, and blacksmith. And, he became the household chef when he retired in 2000 due to his disability, creating a family cookbook of favorite recipes.

David bravely fought multiple sclerosis for 3 decades. Diagnosed in 1995, he was able to work another 5 years as the Midwest Quality Assurance Manager for Minute Maid/Coca-Cola Foods Division in Paw Paw, Michigan. Dave valued the support he received from the Disability Network of Southwest Michigan in Kalamazoo at the onset of this condition, and he volunteered on the Finance Committee until 2025. He also served on the Board of Directors for the organization, working through all the positions over the years, including President of the Board. Knowing how important support can be with this condition, he also served as a co-leader for a monthly peer support group sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society until the pandemic in 2020.

David’s life was a commitment to living in integrity, with honor, honesty and personal responsibility. He believed in encouraging creativity, and in giving back to his community, leaving the world a bit better for his having been here. His kindness and caring spirit will live on in the hearts of his beloved family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, Constance “Connie” (Crown) Vinci; daughter Jennifer Sarah (Vinci) Opdycke; son Benjamin James (Jessica Bartlett Vinci ) Vinci; beloved grandchildren, Sophie and Leah Opdycke; Cadence Bartlett; Michael, Avery and Harper Vinci; sister Sarah Grace Vinci; stepmother Carol Vinci; half-sister Jacqueline (Vinci) (Paul Banister) Banister; nephew Jack Banister; and many cousins around the country.

David was preceded in death by his parents.

Family and friends are invited to a service to celebrate David’s extraordinary life on Saturday, April 26, 2025, beginning at 4:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home, 502 W. Michigan Avenue, Paw Paw, Michigan, followed by a time of food and fellowship at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in memory of David may be directed to the National MS Society (link to donate below), National Model Railroad Association, or Disability Network of Southwest Michigan in Kalamazoo, MI.