Obituary for Richard J. Vincent, Sr.
Richard J. "Dick" Vincent, Sr., 81, of Canton, beloved husband of Mary E. (O’Keefe) Vincent, passed away on Friday, December 29, 2023. He was born on December 4, 1942, in Hartford, the son of the late Charles W. and Gertrude (Feeley) Vincent. For most of his life, he resided in Simsbury before relocating to Canton many years ago. Dick was a two-time cancer survivor.
Growing up, he worked alongside his grandfather and uncles at the Vincent Funeral Home, washing cars and mowing lawns. After graduating from the New England Institute in Boston, he joined the firm in 1969 as a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. In 1997, Dick founded the Farmington Valley Crematory within the Canton funeral home. He retired from the funeral home as President in 2008 after over 60 years of service to the community and continued to oversee the crematory until his full retirement in 2018.
Dick had a lifelong passion for collecting and restoring antique trucks, which he pursued with the help of many talented individuals. He enjoyed spending time tinkering around in his barn. Additionally, Dick was involved with Indian Motorcycle factory, sponsored by them, and held the title of New England States Scramble champion in the 500 class. He also participated in races with the U.S. team against the Canadians. He was a member of several organizations including St. Catherine of Siena Church in West Simsbury, The Knights of Columbus, Bishop John J. Nilan Council, Prince Thomas of Savoy (where he relished playing Bocci), the Porsche Club of America, Valley Collector Car Club, NRA, Metacon Gun Club, the Model A. Restorers, CFDA, and the NFDA.
Surviving him, besides his loving wife of 57 years, are his son, Richard J. Vincent, Jr. of Canton; his daughter, Beth Vincent Webster of Vernon; his brothers, Charles Vincent of Warren, ME, and Glenn Vincent and wife Carole of Hartland; his grandchildren, Richard J. Vincent, III and wife, Dr. Carli Vincent of Canton, Austin T. Vincent of Boston, MA, and Colin W. Vincent of Canton; several nieces, nephews, and his good buddy, Stan Cataldo. He was predeceased by his brother, Gene Vincent, and his infant daughter.
Calling hours will be held at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury, on Friday, January 5th, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 6th, at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 265 Stratton Brook Road in West Simsbury. Burial will follow in Simsbury Cemetery. Donations in his memory may be made to the Canton Land Trust, P.O. Box 41, Canton Center, CT 06020, or the Canton Emergency Fuel Bank, c/o Michael Langer, P.O. Box 350, Canton, CT 06019. Please visit Dick’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.
Growing up, he worked alongside his grandfather and uncles at the Vincent Funeral Home, washing cars and mowing lawns. After graduating from the New England Institute in Boston, he joined the firm in 1969 as a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. In 1997, Dick founded the Farmington Valley Crematory within the Canton funeral home. He retired from the funeral home as President in 2008 after over 60 years of service to the community and continued to oversee the crematory until his full retirement in 2018.
Dick had a lifelong passion for collecting and restoring antique trucks, which he pursued with the help of many talented individuals. He enjoyed spending time tinkering around in his barn. Additionally, Dick was involved with Indian Motorcycle factory, sponsored by them, and held the title of New England States Scramble champion in the 500 class. He also participated in races with the U.S. team against the Canadians. He was a member of several organizations including St. Catherine of Siena Church in West Simsbury, The Knights of Columbus, Bishop John J. Nilan Council, Prince Thomas of Savoy (where he relished playing Bocci), the Porsche Club of America, Valley Collector Car Club, NRA, Metacon Gun Club, the Model A. Restorers, CFDA, and the NFDA.
Surviving him, besides his loving wife of 57 years, are his son, Richard J. Vincent, Jr. of Canton; his daughter, Beth Vincent Webster of Vernon; his brothers, Charles Vincent of Warren, ME, and Glenn Vincent and wife Carole of Hartland; his grandchildren, Richard J. Vincent, III and wife, Dr. Carli Vincent of Canton, Austin T. Vincent of Boston, MA, and Colin W. Vincent of Canton; several nieces, nephews, and his good buddy, Stan Cataldo. He was predeceased by his brother, Gene Vincent, and his infant daughter.
Calling hours will be held at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury, on Friday, January 5th, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 6th, at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 265 Stratton Brook Road in West Simsbury. Burial will follow in Simsbury Cemetery. Donations in his memory may be made to the Canton Land Trust, P.O. Box 41, Canton Center, CT 06020, or the Canton Emergency Fuel Bank, c/o Michael Langer, P.O. Box 350, Canton, CT 06019. Please visit Dick’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.