Vincent Lanza

Vincent Lanza, 88, of Toms River, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Newark, NJ, Vincent attended Central High School and went on to build a successful 32-year career as a Senior Marketing Representative for Public Service Electric and Gas of New Jersey, where his dedication and leadership left a lasting impact. An Army veteran who served his country for six years during the Berlin Crisis and the Cuban Missile Crisis, Vincent was a die-hard Yankees fan and took great pride in his Italian heritage.

Vincent was a man who put his family first-a protector, provider, and patriarch in every sense of the word. He possessed a rare gift for connection, quick on his feet and able to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger and, within ten minutes, have a friend for life. He lived with a true zest for life: no wine untasted, no song unsung. His warmth, humor, and generous spirit touched everyone who knew him.

You can measure the accomplishments of a man in many ways: by their bank account, the home they live in, their career, and their accomplishments. But the true measure of a man is the legacy he builds and leaves behind. Vincent Lanza personified the essence of a family man. The father of four amazing children-Vincent, Joelle, Michelle, and Jennifer-he was the proud grandfather of 11 and welcomed two great-grandchildren, with another arriving in just days. He taught his children and grandchildren what it means to be a good father and husband. His grandchildren looked to him as a role model, learning from his example of strength, loyalty, and unconditional love-a legacy that will last for generations.

At the center of Vincent's world was his beloved wife, Joann-his mission, his sweetheart, his partner in crime, and the true love of his life. She was the only woman on the planet who had his whole heart, and their 60-year marriage stood as a testament to devotion, partnership, and enduring love.

Vincent was a proud and generous member of the St. Jude Society.

He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Louise Lanza (née Verdi).

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Joann Lanza (née Coltre); his children, Vincent Lanza and his wife ToniAnne, Joelle Urso and her husband Angelo, Michelle Urso and her husband Chris, and Jennifer Nigro and her husband Paul; his grandchildren, Alexandra Urso and her partner William Belford, Christopher Urso and his wife Giana, Michael Nigro and his wife Elizabeth, Alisa Lanza and her partner Stephen Carbonara, Samantha Adamopoulos and her husband Peter, Jaise Nigro and her partner Joseph Carcione, Anthony Urso and his partner Alyssa Hirschy Vincent Lanza, Gerard Urso, Joelle Lanza and her partner Christopher Zappola, and Dominic Urso; his great-grandchildren, Christopher Rosario Urso and Michael Nunzio Nigro; Catherine Forlenza, who was like a sister to him, and her husband Larry, and their children, Lauren Forlenza and her partner Cris Zelley, Karen Kemmerer and her husband Kevin, and Larry Forlenza and his wife Rebekah; and many cherished friends and relatives.