Vincent "Vince" Dirienzo Jr.

1927 - 2025

Vincent "Vince" Dirienzo, Jr.

December 8, 1927 - February 19, 2025

Vincent (Vince) Dirienzo, Jr. was born on December 8, 1927, to Elizabeth (Wernig) and Vincent Dirienzo in Madison, WI. He was baptized at Blessed Sacrament Parish, where he attended grade school from 1932 to 1940. He then went to Madison West High School, graduating in 1945. He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning a degree in chemical engineering in 1950.

Following graduation, Vince served in the United States Army from 1950 to 1952, working on chemical weaponry. He achieved the rank of Private First Class and was honorably discharged in October 1952. After his military service, he returned to Madison, where he joined his two brothers and father as a building contractor.

In 1962, Vince discerned a vocation to religious life and entered the Dominican Order at St. Thomas Aquinas Priory in River Forest, IL. He received the habit on March 10, 1963. In 1968, he was assigned to St. Rose of Lima Priory in Dubuque, IA, where he also made his solemn profession on March 11, 1970. There, he served as Director of Buildings and Grounds. In 1980, Br. Vincent was reassigned to his home parish of Blessed Sacrament in Madison and continued his ministry as the plant manager for the parish and school. He remained there for over forty years, deeply involved in the life of the parish community. He felt a strong concern for those often overlooked by society and was an active member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, working to support local families in need. He became subprior in 1993, one of the first cooperator brothers to hold a leadership position in the community.

Due to declining health, he moved to St. Pius V Priory in Chicago in September 2022. He passed away on February 19, 2025. Br. Vincent was known for his quiet and steady presence. He had a special interest in the intersection of faith and science and remained intellectually curious throughout his life. Although an introvert by nature, Br. Vincent had a dry wit and keen insights and will be remembered for his quiet dedication, humility, and steadfast service.

Vince is survived by his brother Clair; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Elsie; his sister, Rosemary; and his brother, Charles.

As a beloved brother, uncle and friend, he will be dearly missed by all. His funeral Mass will be celebrated on February 26th, at 10:15 a.m., at St. Vincent Ferrer Parish, 1530 Jackson Ave, River Forest, IL, preceded by Office of the Dead at 9:30 a.m. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery, Madison, WI, after a service in the cemetery chapel at 10 a.m., on February 28th. Memorial Donations to the Dominican Friars, 1910 S. Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60608-2904, www.opcentral.org, are greatly appreciated. For funeral information 773-736-3833 or visit Br. Vincent's memorial at www.smithcorcoran.com.

Smith-Corcoran Funeral Homes

Chicago-Glenview-Palatine

773-736-3833