Vince Tria first introduced himself to me the day after his first look inside the Vail-Leavitt Music Hall as representatives from New York State Historic Preservation had been viewing the building.
I’d been elected vice-president of the Vail’s board only days before, and Vince claimed that adding his experience and knowledge to the board would get the old Music Hall restored and operational quickly. Even as a “newbie,” I knew that the Hall had been dormant and in need of restoration for almost 20 years since Harold Smith’s Mini-Cine operated downstairs. Riverhead Town supervisors Janoski, Villella and Kozakiewicz each had provided timely and critical support along the way, but the organization lacked a combination of expertise and action to spark the old theater back to life. With some initial reservations, the Vail-Leavitt board accepted Vince Tria as a member – and he quickly was elected treasurer.
Almost immediately, the project sprung to life. The Music Hall clearly appealed to Vince’s sense of community and cultural heritage and gave him the opportunity to apply all of his diverse experiences and skills to their best advantage. Whether it required handshakes, contracts or confrontations, plumbing or structural concerns, raising funds or pinching quarters until the eagles screamed for mercy – Vince was unquestionably a man driven to get the mission accomplished. While many others made significant contributions in a variety of ways, the plain fact is that no other individual contributed as much personal time and effort to the cause of re-opening the Vail-Leavitt Music Hall as Vince Tria.
A few years later as the Music Hall’s newly-elected president, I went to my first meeting of the Business Improvement District to pursue collection of a cleaning bill resulting from the 2005 Riverhead Blues Festival. At that meeting, I was told there was no money to reimburse the Vail – which had made itself available for no charge – and that the BID had been directed to stop producing the annual festival. I proposed that the Vail-Leavitt assume and undertake continued production of the festival as a fund raising event. While our board’s first response was tepid, Vince saw the opportunity and spearheaded the effort – then helped direct an event enjoyed by thousands which supported the Music Hall’s operation for the better part of seven years.
To be sure, his personality was not always diplomatic, polite or supportive – even to those closest to him. Those who lead by action and self-reliance sometimes find it difficult yielding leadership and reliance to others. However, nothing can detract or replace the legacy gifted to Riverhead by virtue of Vince Tria’s persistent efforts and focus. I am grateful and appreciative for having worked with him and learned from him.
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Robert Barta is the president of Vail-Leavitt Music Hall. He lives in Jamesport.
Editor’s note: Vince Tria passed away earlier this week at age 84. He was an owner of local radio station WRIV, a member of Riverhead Rotary, a former ombudsman for the Town of Riverhead, and passionately dedicated to his community. At his family’s request, no obituary will be published. Wake and funeral arrangements are private.
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