Vinnie Carr

1947 - 2025

Vinnie Carr
August 26, 2025
Vinnie Carr, 78, of West Haven, died peacefully on August 26, 2025. Born Vincent Stephen Carfora, in New Haven, on May 28, 1947, a son of the late Pasquale and Julia (Parillo) Carfora. He is survived by wife, Denise (LaMonica) Carr; children, Vinnie Jr. (Gina, fiancée) and Daniella (Francesco, boyfriend); brother, Pasquale (Karen) Carfora; and nephew, Pasquale (Marie) Carfora; in-laws, Benedict and Barbara LaMonica; and brother-in-law, Mark (Sue) LaMonica; along with many cousins and lifelong friends.
At the age of 5, Vinnie began playing the accordion at his parents' restaurant. A graduate of the Wilbur Cross High School Class of 1965, Vinnie was drafted to the U.S. Army in 1966. During his years of military service, Vinnie began forming his band and playing the keyboard. After his honorable discharge from the Army, Vinnie enrolled in the Police Academy and served as an officer in the City of New Haven.
During this time, Vinnie's band grew wildly popular, drawing his full attention to performing music of the '40s, '50s, and '60s for his fans. He began the Vinnie Carr Orchestra and would perform 2-3 shows per day, working every day of the week in lounges, dance halls, and senior centers for countless occasions. Vinnie was well known in the New Haven area and performed regularly at local Italian festivals and town greens. His record-holding musical career lasted over 50 years.
One of Vinnie's fondest memories was performing at New Haven Wooster Street's Italian Festival, in 1975, for a "sea of people" packing the street. Playing music for live audiences and watching them dance and sing in response to his music made him happiest. Vinnie lived "larger than life" and leaves behind a legacy as a Musician/Entertainer.
In his private life, Vinnie valued his family. Traveling and vacationing with family were his treasured moments. When not traveling, he would relax at home, tanning in the sun and enjoying a cigar. Vinnie defined his life by Frank Sinatra's lyrics: "I faced it all and I stood tall, and did it My Way."
The family of Vinnie Carr would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Smilow Cancer Hospital for their compassionate care during his final days. Additional thanks to Dr. Jill Lacy and her oncology team for their ongoing support during his treatment.
Visitation will be TODAY, August 29, 2025, from 4 until 8 o'clock at the West Haven Funeral Home at the Green. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 30, at 9:30 a.m. in St. John Vianney Church of St. John XXIII Parish. Attendees are asked to meet directly at church. Interment with military honors will immediately follow in St. Lawrence Garden Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Vinnie's memory to the Tommy Fund for Childhood Cancer ( tommyfund.org ).
To leave an online condolence for Vinnie's family, please visit our website, www.westhavenfuneral.com .