Dr. Leon Vinci

On April 18, 2025, Leon Francis Vinci, MPH, PhD, a former innovative and progressive Health Director for the City of Middletown, CT, passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family. Dr. Leon Vinci, a distinguished figure in public and environmental health, had dedicated more than three decades to advancing community well-being and public health preparedness across the United States. Born and raised in Middletown, CT, Leon earned his Bachelor's degree from Wesleyan University, followed by a Masters in Public Health from the Yale School of Public Health. He later achieved a doctorate from the Medical University of South Carolina. Throughout his career, Leon held leadership roles in local and county public health departments across Connecticut, Nebraska and Kansas. His commitment to environmental health led him to participate in various national and international committees and task forces. Leon also taught at several universities including Drexel University, Yale University and the University of Nebraska. He was recognized as a Climate and Health Leader by ecoAmerica, received the 2020 A. Clark Slaymaker Honor by the Virginia Environmental Health Association and served as a Climate Ambassador with the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA). Leon was a huge fan of road trips, food and sports, frequently combining all three on weekend trips with his children from Philly to DC, NYC and the Midwest. You could catch him in his silver Jeep on the highway listening to his favorite Woodstock tunes, excited for his next adventure. Leon is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Doug Vinci and Brooke Miller; grandsons, Nate, Ryan and Aiden; son, Michael Vinci; and daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Kyle O'Neill; brother, Keith Vinci, nephews and niece, Jonathan, Justin and Rebecca; former wife, Debora, as well as countless friends and colleagues whose lives were touched by his work and spirit. Calling hours will be at D'Angelo Funeral Home, 22 South Main St., Middletown, CT on Friday, June 13 from 4-7 p.m. A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 14 at 10 a.m. at St. Sebastian Church, 155 Washington St., Middletown, CT. Burial will follow at St. Sebastian Cemetery, Middlefield, CT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Leon's memory to Good Samaritan Hospice in Roanoke, VA. To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store. Published by Middletown Press from May 24 to May 31, 2025.