Vincent Louis Tirelli of Southold died peacefully at his home on May 23, 2016 with his loving family surrounding him. He was 84 years old.
He was born on October 25, 1931 in the Bronx to Michael and Irene (Garzilli) Tirelli. He married his beloved wife of 63 years, Louise (LaFalcia) on April 11, 1953.
He married his beloved wife of 63 years, Louise (LaFalcia) on April 11, 1953.
Vincent served as a Corpsman in the United States Navy aboard the USS Buckner from 1951 to 1955. Upon his discharge, he returned to New York and worked as a union marble setter, helping put the marble facades on many buildings in and around Manhattan. He joined the Fire Department of New York in 1962, serving with Engine 88 and as an Inspector in District Office 7, both in the Bronx, until his retirement.
After his retirement in 1976, Vinny and his family moved to Southold, where he began a 30-year career as owner/operator of Vincent Tirelli Marble and Tile Company. He was an active member of the Southold Kiwanis, rising to the role of President. He was a lifelong NY Yankees and NY Giants fan.
In addition to his parents Michael & Irene, he is predeceased by two brothers, Anthony & Angelo. Vinny is survived by his wife Louise, his sister Marie Bernasconi (Bruce) of West Nyack, two daughters, Laura Witek (Tony) of Ridgefield, CT and Valerie Tirelli Hallock of Southold, two sons, Vincent (Kristin) of Mattituck and Robert (Sherry) of Middleton, MA.
Also surviving are his nine beloved grandchildren – Katelyn Ettenger (Will), Evan Witek (Maggie), Vincent M. Tirelli (Sara), Sarah, Matthew & Brian Hallock, Olivia & Samantha Tirelli and Nicole Seay and four great-grandchildren, Sean and Hanna Tirelli, Sydney Ettenger and Jordan Poole as well as many loving nieces, nephews and cousins in the United States, Italy and Belgium.
Vinny was beloved by many and will be remembered for his engaging nature, zest for life, witty repartee and the endless love and devotion he had for his family.
The family will be receiving visitors at DeFriest Grattan Funeral Home in Southold on Thursday, May 26 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial with Military and Fire Department honors will be held at St. Patrick’s R.C. Church in Southold on Friday, May 27 at 10 a.m, with interment to follow at St. Patrick’s R.C. Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to East End Hospice and Southold Fire Department Rescue Squad.