Violet Vicino

In loving memory of Violet Esma (Kennedy) Vicino, 98, of New Britain, formerly of West Hartford, a beloved and wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Our "Nanny" was born on September 1, 1927, and she passed away on October 25, 2025, from complications of dementia. She was born in Auckland, New Zealand and was one of three daughters. She met her husband, Rocco "Rocky" Michael Vicino, who was stationed in the South Pacific during WWII before they returned to America to live in Rocco's hometown of Hartford, CT. In passing, Nanny is now reunited with "Papa" Rocco, her son Dominick Michael Vicino, and all her family in New Zealand. She is survived by her daughter, Ellen Raewyn Parker and her son, Charles Anthony Vicino; her grandson, Christopher Vicino and his significant other Lynn Battistoni; her great-grandson, Thomas Vicino; her grandson, Peter Anthony Mace and his wife Christine; her great-grandson, Garrett; her grandson, Michael Thomas Parker and his wife Allyson; and her great-granddaughters, Kayla and Myranda.
Violet had a tireless work ethic and seemingly endless energy well into her later years, both at home and in her employment. She worked for roughly 40 years of her life, retiring from The Wiremold (now named LeGrande) in West Hartford, CT, at age 65 after working there for about 30 years. "Vi" had countless friends due to her outgoing and caring nature. She was compassionate and sympathetic, always anxious that someone could get hurt, and she was creative when explaining exactly how that could occur. Violet was ridiculously generous with food, money, and whatever else she had, even with strangers, pets, and stray animals. On the other hand, she was also headstrong, tough, and determined.
Violet loved going to the beach, reading her horoscope as a Virgo, playing the same number "boxed" for the lottery for decades, going to Off-Track Betting and to see the dog races in Saratoga, Jai-Alai in Hartford, the Elmwood Senior Center with family and friends, and hosting and cooking for her family and friends on birthdays, holidays, or any moment that someone just showed up at the house. She was always extremely excited when family and friends came to visit her, because it reminded her how loved she was.
In her retirement years, she loved watching talk shows, going to the casino with her family, playing BINGO, and playing the slot machines. Nanny would serenade you with early 20th century songs for absolutely no reason at all, at any time of day or night, and in any environment for her whole life. She finally "went pro" by taking her talents on-stage for karaoke. Elvis was her absolute favorite. Rest in heavenly peace, Nanny. We all love you so much and forever.
Calling hours will be Monday, November 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford, followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Brigid Church, directly across the street from the funeral home. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com