Vincent Anthony (Vinny) DePaola, 89, of North Haven, passed quietly on March 23, 2023, in the home he built, after a long struggle with dementia. He was the beloved husband of 67 years to Florine L. Melillo DePaola. Vincent was born in New Haven on April 18, 1933, and was the son of the late Peter and Carmel Longobardi DePaola. In Vincent’s early years, he worked for Cott soda and his family-owned a gas station in New Haven. Vinny was the co-owner and operator of Dover Autobody. Vinny was the power horse of the body shop, his paint jobs and pinstriping were impeccable. Vinny and his brother Tony had a working partnership that lasted for over 60 years. He was a hard-working and dependable man. During his children’s youth, Vincent was the President of the North Haven Midget football league. Throughout his life, he was an active member of the North Haven community, involved in local politics, and a proud member of the New Haven Alpha America Club. After retiring at age 58 Vincent became an avid golfer joining the Wallingford Country Club, co-managing local properties, taking his wife to the casino, and helping his children. His most precious time was spent with his granddaughters, who he loved unconditionally. He is also survived by his son Michael DePaola, daughters Therese DePaola Riordan (William) and Maria DePaola. He was the loving grandfather “Poppi” to Jessica (DePaola) Cohane (James), Vanessa, and Erica Riordan and Great Grandfather (Pop-Pop) to Kyla Cohane. Brother of Anna Quinn, Theresa DeAngelo, Joseph DePaola (Nancy), Carmel DePaola, and sister-in-law Liz DePaola. He also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son’s Vincent and David DePaola, brothers Anthony and Peter DePaola. Vinny welcomed everyone into his home with a firm handshake and a good story. Vincent will be remembered for his generosity, strong will, and drive to achieve. To many he was a friend, to most he was a man that could be counted on.
The visiting hours will be on Tuesday morning, March 28th from 10:00 to 11:30 at The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish at St. Therese Church, 555 Middletown Avenue, North Haven at 12 noon. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children;s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929 or Shriners Children’s New England, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104.
I’ve learned that goodbyes will always hurt, pictures will never replace having been there, good memories will bring tears, and words can never replace feelings. Love you, Uncle Vinny.
Vinny-down-the-back, as nonni Josephine would
Call him, was a tremendous friend to the DeBendet family. Neighbors for somewhere around 50 years with my grandparents and family, as most Of us lived at her house at one point or another,
Myself included He always “kept-an-eye” on the house and allowed us to swim in pool, gave us work around the house, fixed our car dents , snuck to our wine cellar
To have “just one” drink and sometimes launch golf balls
Thru the barn’s windows (lol). He often told me stories of my nonno Odorico.
A gentleman, a hard worker, a friend… Vin will be remembered always. ❤️
So very sorry to learn of Vinny’s passing. Such a wonderful man who will be dearly missed. Condolences to the family.
For me. My brother Vinny greatest gift was his gift he gave to all! The welcome mat was always there. Rest In peace my brother I will miss you ! Love sister Theresa
I never met Vinny, but I can tell how wonderful he must have been just by knowing his daughter Therese. We reflect the best parts of our parents thanks to the loving way they raised us. Take comfort in your memories as you grieve.
My heartfelt condolences,
Juliana Hagel
Uncle Vincent ( My Godfather),
I will always love and remember our honest talks, your genuine presence, and how blessed I was to have you as family.
Rest in glory and peace.
In loving remembrance,
Nancy
Everyone was family. Thank you for sharing. He was one of a kind.
To The DePaola Family ,So sorry for your loss your dad and husband was a great man .cherish the memories. Sincerely the Ricciuti Family
Vincent’s son David was my best friend in college at Central in New Britain. He always cooked “steak pizz a ola” for a girl friend. David always talked about hís father, brother, younger sister, and his Cougar. God bless your loving family 🙏✝️♥️