Vincent Panzano died at the age of 87 in New Canaan, CT at mid-day on November 12, 2012. This was Vince’s first observance of Veterans’ Day since he lost Audrey, his best-friend and wife of 60 years. Vince was a veteran’s veteran, a Navy man, who embodied love for country in every word, thought and deed. Somehow, it seems fitting that Vince’s final “Anchors Aweigh” happened on that day.
“Vincenzo” was born in South Philadelphia on November, 18, 1924 to Vincent, a tailor, who emigrated from Naples, Italy in 1920 and Mary (Onerato) who arrived in Philadelphia shortly thereafter. After graduating from South Philadelphia High School for Boys in 1942, Vince began his undergraduate work at West Chester Teachers College in the Health and Physical Education Department. His freshman year was life-changing. It was the year he met Audrey K. Jones and the year he entered the US Navy to serve in World War II. Vince served as a Pharmacist’s Mate, second class, for 26 months aboard the USS Quincy – a heavy naval cruiser. The Quincy was the only warship to bombard enemy-held territory in both the European and Pacific War zones during World War II. The USS Quincy saw action in the Normandy Invasion at Utah Beach on June 6, 1944, supported troops in southern France, and was involved in the Battle of Okinawa. Vince and fellow crew members were awarded four Bronze Stars and the Victory Medal for their service.
Upon returning from the war, Vince completed his undergraduate education at West Chester under the GI Bill, and married the love of his life, Audrey, with whom he raised two sons, Vincent and Craig. Vince was a passionate and gifted teacher. While he worked on building a successful career in teaching he also began his graduate work in education and earned a masters’ degree in educational administration. His gifts, teaching experience and graduate work laid the groundwork for his transition from teacher to high school administrator. In that role he continued to touch many, many young lives and took particular interest in struggling students. The calls and ‘drop-ins’ Vince received from former students through his final days were testament to the impact this inspiring educator had on young people. Vince culminated his career in education as an administrator with the Colonial School District in Plymouth Meeting, PA.
In retirement, Vince continued to serve others. He volunteered for many years at Montgomery Hospital in Norristown, PA and his positive outlook and good humor brightened the days of countless patients. His passion for service turned to the Kiwanis Club of Cape May, NJ after he and Audrey decided to settle there. Vince re-established the daily flag-raising and -lowering ceremonies at the Cove, and used the ceremony as an opportunity to educate and engage youth in acts of patriotism. Vince was heavily involved in developing the World War II Memorial in Cape May and in planning the Annual 9-11 Remembrance. The “June 6, 1944” vanity plate on Vince’s American-made Ford was his way of saying ‘remember’ and ‘thank you’.
Vince adored his sons, delighted in his grandchildren (and new great-grandson), and treated his daughters-in-law like the daughters he never had. Many hearts are made heavy at his passing, but are lightened knowing that he spent his final years, many happy years, in Cape May with his best friend Audrey and their many wonderful neighbors and friends, and that he spent his final days with his loving and devoted son Craig and his family, and among the countless new friends he met and fans he inspired while residing in New Canaan, CT.
Vincent is preceded in death by wife Audrey (K. Jones), father, Vincent, mother, Mary (Onerato), and brother, Alex. He is survived by sons Vincent L (wife, Phyllis), and Craig S. (wife, Judi), grandchildren Vincent C. (wife, Megan), Scott, Trevor, Bryan C., Rachel, and Steven, and great-grandson, Luca.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, November 26 2012 at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church, 111 Oenoke Ridge Road, New Canaan, CT. Light reception at the Panzano’s home 139 Southwood Drive, New Canaan, CT will follow. Internment will occur with full Military Honors in the spring, at the Parish Cemetery Washington Memorial Chapel, Valley Forge, PA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the New Canaan YMCA, 564 South Avenue, New Canaan, CT 06840 or to the Waveny Care Network, 3 Farm Road, New Canaan, CT 06840.
