Vincent A Vilkas

Vincent A. Vilkas left this earthy realm and entered Heaven on March 11th, 2026. His passing was unexpected, leaving his beloved wife Gale Hanson heartbroken after thirty-six years of love and companionship.

He was born in Worcester, the son of Vincent J. and Maria M. (Pignataro) Vilkas. He graduated from Shrewsbury High School, earned his prelaw degree from Worcester State and his Juris Doctorate from Bridgeport School of Law/Quinnipiac University. After passing the bar, he began his practice at the corner of Route 9 and Oak Street in Shrewsbury, faithfully and compassionately serving his clients for 48 years. He practiced as a sole proprietor so he could always “do the right thing”. Vinny is survived by his wife Gale and his sister Frances Wallis along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members in the area.

He was a working single attorney celebrating Labor Day 1988 with his law school buddies when he spotted his future wife on the dance floor at the Port Garden Inn’s ‘The Cave’ nightclub in Kennebunkport Maine and was smitten. After marrying in 1990 they settled in Shrewsbury. Over the years a second home close to the beach in that same town became their place of refuge and retirement.

He was a proud Spag’s employee developing strong and abiding friendships with many of his co-workers who remained in close contact while participating in shenanigans over the pursuing years.  Vinny was the most loving and caring husband to Gale while being the sole caretaker of his mother, Marie and a “hands on” uncle to his three nephews and God sons.

He should have been an event planner. The joy of bringing his many dear friends from all walks of life, cultural backgrounds and hysterical personalities to gather and participate in his creative and well-attended events. The most famous being the annual “Risky Business Invitational” Golf tournament that filled Andinos Restaurant in Providence with love, food, raffles and noisy laughter. (Oh yeah, they played golf also). Next his “Cousin Vinny Two Yutes” Bowling Tournament and finally his highly successful “Spirit in the Sky Cape Porpoise Putt Pourii” contest held as a fundraiser for his local church in Cape Porpoise.

Vin was a sports enthusiast. He had Red Sox and Celtics season tickets for over 20 years. He loved golf and played Bocce in various leagues along with Gale. He was a member of the Massachusetts and Worcester County Bar associations, a former member of the Worcester Lodge 168, Order sons and daughters of Italy and its Bocce League.   Vinny was a quiet individual with a huge heart, engaging smile and carried out generous deeds in silence. His family and many friends will remember him as a “great guy” whom everybody loved.

A celebration of Life service is being planned for the future. The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist Gale in handling arrangements. For further information or to leave a message please visit www.mercadantefuneral .com