Joseph Vincitore, 96, of Vero Beach, passed away peacefully on Nov. 9, 2014, after a long a vibrant life.
He is survived by a large and loving family including his children Mary Jo (John) Deans, Michael (Rose) Vincitore, Jon (Kathy) Vincitore, Allison (Robert) Hill, Paula Vincitore, Paige (Paul) Fies, Andrew Vincitore and Marta (William) Yeoman; sister, Jane Scivolette; 21 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his daughter Susan Renk and three sisters, Jesse Calio, Kay Chiriatti, and Lee Pundt.
He was born July 19, 1918 in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., to Michele and Marta (Roglieri) Vincitore. He was an alumnus of Poughkeepsie High School, The Julliard School of Music, and the U.S. Army Music School for bandleaders.
On Jan. 5, 1942, Vincitore married Mary Alice King in Monticello, N.Y. Together they raised nine children, traveled the world, and enjoyed 66 years of marriage. His beloved wife predeceased him on June 20, 2008.
Vincitore served his country in the U.S. Army Air Force from 1941 to 1946 as a Warrant Officer and Conductor of the 374th Army Air Force Band.
In 1946, Vincitore purchased the Poughkepsie Music Shop, and later reinvented it as Vincitore’s Pianos and Organs, which is still operated by his children Michael, Jon, Andrew and Marta. Vincitore and his wife Mary retired to Vero Beach in 1980.
He was a lifetime member and 3rd degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council #5629. Whether he was performing in front of a crowd (he was an accomplished saxophone and clarinet player), conducting fellow musicians, or enlightening students or customers, music remained a central force throughout his life and he shared his passion for it with everyone he encountered.
Running the family business was always driven by his love of music and his wish to share the joys of making music with everyone. For him a life without music was incomplete.
Calling hours will take place Friday, Nov. 14t from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Michael Torsone Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 218 Mill Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Wheelchair entrance is located in the rear of the funeral home off Vassar Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, Nov. 15 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. with burial to follow with military honors at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Helen’s Catholic Church, 2085 Tallahassee Ave., Vero Beach, Fl, 32960. For directions, online condolences, or to send the Vincitore family a sympathy card please visit our web site at www.torsonememorial.com
