Matthew Guy Vinci
March 1, 1965 - September 9, 2023
Matthew Guy Vinci, 58, of Stratford, CT, a kind and loving father, wonderful husband, and a cherished brother, uncle, and friend, died peacefully at home on Saturday, September 9, 2023, with his wife by his side, after a valiant and hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born in Stamford, Connecticut, on March 1, 1965, son of Matthew Charles Vinci and Rose Fasano Vinci. As the youngest of four children, Matt was doted on by his older siblings, who adored him. He attended Rippowam High School, graduating in 1984. During that time, he developed a strong interest in music after receiving a bass guitar as a birthday present. Self-taught, he mastered the instrument, and with his childhood friends, Anthony Truglio and Frank Cortese, he co-founded the highly influential power metal band, Liege Lord. His virtuosity and style of playing were unique and legendary. Taking a hiatus from the band in the 1990s, Matt worked as a newspaper photojournalist for many years. In 2012, Liege Lord reformed, and he continued to perform with the band for 10 more years, touring nationally and internationally. In 2018, he simultaneously began a career selling and restoring antique furniture.
A gifted, multi-talented artist and a brilliant person, Matt not only found inspiration and creative passion through music and photography, but also art, design, film, history, and writing. As a boy, he created his own stop-motion animation films as a hobby. A natural poet, he composed lyrics for many songs on the Liege Lord albums. He enjoyed collecting records, and had a prolific knowledge of many different styles and genres of music, including blues, jazz, avant-garde jazz, rock, and classical. Matt had a unique creative vision, enormous talent, and impeccable taste, but it was who he was as a person that impacted people the most: a devoted family man who was gentle and kind, understanding, open-minded and considerate, with a beautiful, generous spirit. Matt made a lasting impression on so many people, all of whom cherished his friendship and mourned his passing. In addition to his loving wife, Donna, Matt leaves behind a son, Matthew, 12, a brother, Joseph (Dawn), and sisters, Diane Vinci and Lily Zezima, as well as many nieces, nephews, and hundreds of friends and fans. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.
Arrangements are under the care of Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, CT, (203)-359-9999. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.gallagherfuneralhome.com

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Published by Stamford Advocate on Sep. 13, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Vinci

Sponsored by Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home.

6 Entries

Andrew Sullivan

August 5, 2025

When Matt was a photographer at The Norwalk Hour, and I was one at The Stamford Advocate, we often spent time together chatting at news events. He always had a kind word to say, and I was always happy to see him. We spent a lot of time together on the streets of Fairfield Country witnessing both the good and the bad. His presence and smile assured that things would be ok, however they might turn out. After I left the area, we occasionally kept in touch, and he continued as before, always sharing a kind word. Matt was a creative, warm-hearted human being. May the good memories bring a measure of peace. My condolences to his family.

Faith Grasso

March 13, 2024

Matt, I remember seeing you at rip.
One or two of my brothers were your friends. I have cancer as i write this and know my time is limited. Rip matty...

Scott Kronenberg

March 1, 2024

I worked with Matt in the late 80s at a record and bookshop in Stamford. He was always so cool and relaxed, and never pretentious. Those were great times that I treasure dearly. As happens in life, people move on and lose contact. I wish that we had remained in contact with one another. I always remembered his birthday because it was a few days before mine. I went looking for him today, and found out that he had passed last year. My thoughts are of him and his family. I miss you old friend.

Deedee Vinci

September 18, 2023

Forever in our hearts, so much love, too much sadness, so many prayers, so unreal....my brother, my friend, proud of you always, a good man, our hearts are broken.

Art Brown

September 17, 2023

My sincere condolences to Matt´s entire family. I know he will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Jerry Pia Jr.

September 13, 2023

RIP Uncle Matt. I will miss you. Your family is my family. Your legacy is well deserved. Love you

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