John Anthony Vincenzo

1961 - 2022

John Anthony Vincenzo passed away on April 12, 2022, at the age of 61, after a brief illness. John was the beloved son of the late John and Ann Vincenzo, adored fiance of Emilia Spoerri, big brother to Vincent and Michael Vincenzo, brother-in-law to Angela Vincenzo, uncle to Ashley Vincenzo, nephew to Josephine Rollo and cousin to Susan DiCicco, as well as a cherished friend to countless others, including the members of the East Hampton community, where he resided for over 30 years. John was born on February 8, 1961, in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Staten Island. As a child he spent summers on his great-grandparent's farm in Patchogue where he developed a lifelong love for Long Island and the outdoors. He attended Monsignor Farrell High School from 1975 -1979 where he was legendary for his large Afro and 1966 Ford Mustang with Shelby wheels, which he restored to mint condition with his father. He was also an integral part of the marching band, playing tuba and serving as Band Captain for 2 years. From 1979 to 1984 he attended Stony Brook University and graduated with Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science degrees in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics and Electrical Engineering. In college he was an active member of the Student Activities Board, and other student organizations. John often made trips to Albany to meet with legislators to discuss and debate pending bills of New York State and national importance. He was also a notorious but merry prankster, a talent he cultivated in high school and practiced throughout his life. In his mid-twenties he became a Vice President of First Boston, was made a Director at Union Bank of Switzerland in his early thirties and was later CIO of Millenium Partners. During his career, he was instrumental in developing the first computerized commodities trading floors as well as other Innovations in program trading. John's had a love of world cultures and traveled extensively in Europe and Asia. He was an exceptional cook and enjoyed entertaining his friends with eloborately prepared meals. He was a guitarist in numerous bands in high school, college and beyond, performing at venues throughout New York, including the famed CBGB's, and once playing in the opening act for the Ramones. He also played tuba in the annual New York Tuba Christmas Concert at Rockefeller Center and in the musical Pippin. His other varied and eclectic interests included auto racing, skiing and snowboarding, competitive windsurfing and long distance running. His most recent vocation was professional electrician. John was able to repair nearly any electronic or mechanical device including the ancient bagel making machine at Goldberg's. But standing above and beyond his numerous professional accomplishments and exceptionally varied interests was John's passion for his family, friends and community. He was also a long-time member of the Kiwanis Club of East Hampton where he served as President from 2007-2010 as well as perpetual chair of the Montauk Seafood Festival and official Frosty the Snowman in the East Hampton Christmas Parade. We lost him too soon, but he lived as full a life as anyone could hope. His memory will live on in the joy and humor he brought to his friends and family and to countless others whose lives he touched and improved. A celebration of life will be held in the coming weeks in East Hampton, date to be announced. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Kawanis Club of East Hampton.