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Susanna Reck
July 31, 2009
I had the pleasure of getting to know Vince these past two years while working on several grueling projects in the Office of Infrastructure. I was grateful to be on any team of which he was a member; in part, because of the breadth and depth of his knowledge that he would readily share; in part, because he produced—he walked the talk, but mostly because it was so much fun to work with him. He had a great sense of humor, and I remember cracking up on a number of occasions by something he said or wrote that was hilarious.
Vince spoke of his family often and mentioned frequently how much he loved spending time with his girls. I will miss Vince greatly; his advice and counsel, his work ethic, but I will mostly miss his laughter. FHWA will not be the same without him.
My deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
July 24, 2009
To Paul, RuthAnn, Glenn, Noel, Christine and all of Vincent's family -
Years have passed since we have seen Vincent. I will always remember him as the kid who was lucky enough to find a musket ball in the sand near the water's edge at Lake George. So cool - all of us kids drooled! We all started looking for one but to no avail. He was the one who would go rock the raft so that it looked like tsunami's were coming. He also was quite the fisherman.
The passing of family leaves a hole in your heart - you question how the sun still continues to rise, how do the seasons continue to change - because can't the world see everything has changed forever?
My prayers are with you all and I will cherish all those Estaboga/Clearwater memories.
Love, Karen, Paul and Matthew
Martin Weiss
July 22, 2009
I worked with Vince many times from about 2004 to 2008 when he was in HQ (where I was).
Whenever I learned I would be working with Vince on something, I had a good feeling about it. Some people skip important meetings just because they know it will be difficult. Not Vince. Some people object to any solution to a problem that would require them to do work. Not Vince. Some people don't contribute their knowledge to an activity because they have some qualms about the process or the policy goal. Not Vince. Vince was too dedicated, too responsible to do anything like this (I however was guilty of several of these).
Because of his dedication and responsible actions (and because he was also pretty intelligent), Vince was one of the most knowledgeable people in the FHWA. He knew facts, he knew principles, he knew context, he knew examples of the application of statute, regulations, guidance, etc. and he was always ready to help. This made him, in my opinion, one of the most valuable people in FHWA.
One day I had something placed on an FHWA web site to assist people in understanding an arcane aspect of the federal aid program. Vince sent me an email thanking me. I thought to myself, "well if Vince thinks it's good, it must really be good."
Vince Barone was a great fellow and I consider it an honor to have worked with him.
Lou Nicholson
July 22, 2009
Kristine, I had the opportunity to get to know Vince from assisting him and you in your relocation moves throughout the country for the FHWA as I worked in the Financial Management area. Most recently, we would always run into each other at the gym here in the building. He would always take the time to say "Hello and ask how your were doing" and truly mean it. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in this difficult time.
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Vince's DAD Paul
July 20, 2009
Vincent Paul Barone
Lovingly Known as VINCE
March 10, 1967 July 10, 2009
Beloved Son, Father, Brother, Friend and Husband and the best darn guy you’d ever want to know. We are all blessed to have known and loved him.
Vince was born in Wyckoff Heights Hospital Queens, New York @7.2 lbs and 21 inches at 3am in the morning (this info provided by His loving Mother Alice). I remember the night Alice went into labor because it was the 1st episode of the TV show Star Wars Tribles (I have watched every rerun of that that I could ever find).
He was a great kid and very inquisitive and mechanically minded at a very young age.
He learned to swim at the age of 2 and has been very trim and athletic ever since. He was a devoted big brother to his sister Christine, Jane and little brother to Glenn and Noel, I remember those wonderful loving stories they would tell about growing up together.
Vince had some issues in the open class rooms of grade school and was tested and diagnosed as learning disabled. I remember a 8 or 9 year old Vincent proclaiming “I AM NOT STUPID” and he went on to prove that by graduating as a Civil Engineer from Virginia Tech with Honors.
He didn’t get that degree without some detours. Vince joined the Marines when he graduated from High School and made it thru the majority of their grueling boot camp at Paris Island when he was told he couldn’t continue because an x-ray that was taken when he 1st arrived showed a back injury that would prevent him from continuing his training. I remember him calling me and telling me this and how disappointed he was and that they were shipping him back via Greyhound bus to downtown DC to arrive a 3am in the morning and would I pick him up.
Vince’s next job was as an Office building maintenance and repair worker and I remember he told me that he was smarter than the engineers he worked for and they made a lot more money. So he decided take night classes at NOVA and got an associates degree in engineering, it was at that point that he went on to Virginia Tech and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering graduating Cum Laude.
Vince married Kristine Patch at a Grand and wonderful wedding on July 20, 1991. They have 2 wonderful bright and loving daughters Katelyn and Kerrie.
Vince took a job as a trainee with the Federal Highway Administration and proceeded to get assignments all around the USA including SW Virginia, Texas, Hawaii, North Carolina, Denver Co., Richmond, VA, Albany, NY and finally Washington, DC. He was the youngest and fastest rising star that the administration had, and reached a grade of GS 15 at the age of 37. He was a hard worker and took his job seriously and was proud to tell he got to meet President Bush and Obama.
Vince was an avid hunter and fisherman and inventor. He converted a gasoline weed trimmer to a canoe outboard motor. He also invented and built a gasoline powered walk behind brush clearing machine. He rebuilt an old Jeep to look better than new; he rebuilt 2 outboard boat motors, made many car repairs and was especially proud of being an excellent handyman and tile installation expert on the side.
Anybody who was blessed with knowing him could just see and feel his enthusiasm in every thing he did.
Vince’s earthly body may be gone but he will be with us forever in our thoughts and prayers.
Gina McAfee
July 19, 2009
I worked closely with Vince for several years as we prepared the TREX DEIS and FEIS and Record of Decision, in Denver. He was extremely conscientious, dedicated and had a great sense of humor. I remember one time in particular - he handed me the signed signature page for one of the documents - and it had coffee spilled on it - as a joke. He knew that would really get my blood pressure up - and it did.
Vince left a huge mark on the entire transportation industry. He will be missed.
Gina McAfee
July 16, 2009
To the family and friends,
I was very fortunate to know Vince when he served as the Denver Operations Engineer. He was the most dedicated engineer I had met where he worked countless hours. He has left his mark with his work on Colorado's largest highway project TREX, and the I-70 Viaduct and others. He was very enthusiastic and rarely complained.
My prayers are with family and friends that peace will be with you and Vince has found a place with our heavenly Lord.
Matt Greer
Structural Engineer
FHWA CO Div
July 15, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Vince was a special person that was always willing to help and made you feel that you were a valuable part of the equation. He seemed to understand your situation and when he didn't he would do his best to relate. I will miss him.
Roger Ryder
July 15, 2009
I will always remember Vince as that young, highly energetic guy I worked with in Hawaii, with a smile on his face who made me laugh in spite of myself. His work is now done & I'm sure that's how he resides now in heaven with all the other angels from this earth.
Vanna
July 15, 2009
Kris & Girls: I am still finding this difficult to believe; I heard the news on Friday at work and as the reality began to sink in when I got home that evening, the tears arrived as well. I both liked and respected Vince a great deal, and that is something I do not say lightly or about many. I cannot begin to express how much I will miss him.
Roy Shelton
July 15, 2009
My deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I had the pleasure of working with Vince in the Operations Section of the North Carolina Division Office during his time as an Area Engineer in the mid-1990's. He was very dedicated, enthusiastic, hard working, and always doing his job in the best manner possible. He was also very personable, friendly and had a great sense of humor. He will be truly missed by all.
July 15, 2009
Vince's kindness to me will always be remembered.
July 14, 2009
I will always love Vince. His Great sense of humor and love of live.
Wendy Travis
July 14, 2009
We both worked in FHWA's North Carolina Division with Vince in the mid-90's. He always had so much excitement and enthusiasm for whatever he was working on that it rubbed off on those around him. We cannot express the sadness we feel. Our prayers are with you all for God's comfort and healing.
Jim and Wendy Travis
Tammy Richards
July 14, 2009
Words cannot express the sorrow that's in my heart. I enjoyed working with Vince so much. He was a wonderful person with such a contagious laugh. I will cherish the many great memories I have of him. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Dave Bruce
July 13, 2009
Kristine, Katelyn and Kerrie,
Words cannot begin to express the heartfelt sympathy and grief that we all feel. You know how dear the friendship has been between Vince and me over the years, and continues to be between your family and ours. One reason for that deep friendship is our common faith in the Lord. We pray that He will continue to provide the comfort and guidance that sustains us in all circumstances. When the time is right, Teri, the kids and I hope that you and the girls will make plans to come visit. In deepest sympathy,
Dave, Teri, Trevor, Julian, Erin and Mackenzie
Eric V
July 13, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. I got to know Vince over the past several months and always enjoyed talking to him. He truly loved his family with all his heart. "The lord's light shines on us all even in our darkest hours..."
Steven Rochlis
July 12, 2009
Kristine, Katelyn and Kerrie,
Not only was Vince loved by family and friends, but his colleagues from the Federal Highway Administration in Washington DC and throughout the US appreciated Vince for his hard work, dedication, and intellect. Every day when we had an opportunity to dicsuss an issue or challenge, Vince was always candid with his advice and always wanted to do the right thing. He will be impossible to replace and words can't express the tragedy that his untimely passing represents. I can only hope that he is at peace.
Steve Rochlis
Senior Atorney
Office of the Chief Counsel
Federal Highway Administration
July 12, 2009
Kristine, I was shocked to hear the news today about Vince. I would have been there today but am on a mission trip in Costa Rica. Please know that we are praying for you and your girls from here. If I can do anything for you, please let me know.
Peace, Jennifer DeBruhl
Kim Phillips
July 12, 2009
Kristine and girls,
I just had dinner with you all at a swim team function. I sat at the table with you, Kristine. I am so sorry to hear of this tragic news. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you during this difficult time.
Pete & Karen and children Clogston
July 12, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Karen Schmidt
July 12, 2009
I am at a loss for words. I've known Vince since 1991 when he first came to FHWA as an engineering trainee and I was the coordinator of the training program. The agency had just started sending trainees to Hawaii for training assignments and I needed a trainee who had those special qualities (professionalism, presence, and maturity) as well as a willingness to travel so far from home. Vince had all of those qualities and more. He was bright, had a great personality, was a go-getter, and I knew that he had a bright future ahead of him. Throughout the ensuring years Vince and I kept in contact. The suddenness of Vince's passing is just one more reminder to me that we should cherish each day that we have with our family and friends. His loss will be felt for a long time. My condolences to the family and all of his friends.
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