Vincent S. (Vincenzo Santo) Graziano, 88, of Spring Lake Heights, passed away in the loving, familiar comfort of his home on Monday, June 1, 2015.

The son of Italian immigrants, he developed deep convictions, a roll-up-your-sleeves work ethic, and a zest for fun. Most importantly, a devotion to “family first” was the thread that wove throughout his life. He came of age with a large circle of cousins in a time when the entire family lived within walking distance, respect was given and expected, and Sunday dinners were sacred.

Vince graduated from Clifton High School in 1944 and proudly served in the US Army during World War II. He was stationed at Supreme Allied Headquarters, Mediterranean Theatre of Operations at the Royal Palace in Caserta, Italy, where he operated the publications office. He joined the US Post Office in Clifton and served as VP of the letter carriers’ organization for many years. Vince delivered mail for 26 years before retiring at age 46—and he enjoyed playfully mentioning that his pension lasted longer than his career. During that time he was part of a tight group of friends that fished, crabbed, snagged the bowling trophy and spent Saturdays at West Point football games.

In 1951 Vince married the great love of his life, Helen Cardinale—undoubtedly winning her over with his 1948 yellow Ford convertible and his “dark Italian” charm! Their enduring 59-year marriage was one of great joy, laughter and friendship. Together they traveled extensively, cruising to the Caribbean and Alaska, along the Atlantic and on European rivers. They drove the east coast to Florida and north to Maine, and had several adventures in Italy with fun-loving cousins. As a team, Helen and Vince opened Vince’s Hobby House, indulging a passion for model trains and airplanes. Their business welcomed many customers who became extended family; it was not uncommon to find members of the Garden State Circle Burners sitting behind the store counter, just visiting. They also enjoyed close friendships in their tight Arlington Ave. neighborhood. Vince was active and at home in Sacred Heart parish, and was a charter member of the Regina Mundi council, Knights of Columbus.

Vince had an infectious love of Christmas—He was full of surprises, such as sticking cash in envelopes, writing corny poems and hiding them in the Christmas tree.

Vince and Helen worked side-by-side in the hobby shop until retiring in 1991, when they relocated to Spring Lake Heights. Vince joined VFW Post 1838, serving as Commander for four years. He was Deputy Chief of Staff for NJ under two state commanders and served as Surgeon for the Monmouth County VFW. He was also a member of the Spring Lake Knights of Columbus. Vince was a patriot who loved and honored his country and closely followed politics (with strong opinions!), a passion he inherited from his mother.

Vince was a devoted family man. He gave quality and quantity time to his children, a practice that remained throughout his life. Joe’s adventures at West Point football games and Kay’s excursions to Dairy Queen while Dad sorted the next day’s mail remain clear childhood snapshots of their bond. Vince had high standards and ensured that his children would be his family’s first generation to graduate from college. He celebrated their marriages with great joy, welcoming two special people who would help his family grow even more with the addition of six Italian-Irish grandchildren! He was an attentive grandfather, teaching woodworking, attending ball games and school events, and throwing a tennis ball thousands of times as his grandkids jumped into the pool while trying to catch it. He treasured the memory of taking the entire family to Aruba, where he got up at the crack of dawn to secure a cabana and spent the entire day in the water with his grandchildren.

Vince lost Helen in April 2010, leaving a broken heart that never healed. In addition, he was predeceased by his parents, Catalda (Capra) and Giuseppe Graziano, and his brother, Rosario Graziano. He is survived with love by his son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Susan Graziano of Parsippany; his daughter and son-in-law Katherine (Kay) and David O’Malley of Spring Lake; and six treasured grandchildren: Vincent Graziano and wife Neomi of Perkinsville, VT; Caitlin and Kerry Graziano of Parsippany; Austin O’Malley of Hoboken; and Ethan and Meghan O’Malley of Spring Lake.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 6 at 10:30 AM at Saint Catharine’s Church, 215 Essex Ave., Spring Lake. Interment at NJ Veterans’ Cemetery at Arneytown will be private. Friends may call on Friday from 4-8 PM and on Saturday from 9-10 AM at the O’Brien Funeral Home, 2028 Hwy. 35, Wall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517,
Topeka, KS 66675.

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