Vincent F. Paolicelli

Waltham - Mr. Vincent F. Paolicelli Sr., of Waltham, passed away peacefully at his home after a brief illness on Monday, July 4, 2011 in his home. He was 81.

Vincent was born in Newton on May 23, 1930, a son of the late Anthony and Laura (DeMichele) Paolicelli. He was raised and educated in Watertown where he graduated from Watertown High School and earned certification in heavy equipment operations from Wentworth Institute in Boston. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. On May 15, 1955 he married Ruth F. White in Saint Patrick’s Church in Watertown. They moved to Waltham to raise and educate their children and have lived here for over 56 years.

“Vinny” or “Vin” as he was known and lovingly referred, worked as a heavy equipment operator for the City of Waltham for over 38 years before retiring in 2000.

Vinny’s family meant the world to him. He was happiest when spending time with each of his seven grandchildren all of whom he would tell they were his favorite. He is also remembered for an affinity for casino’s and would often make trips to Foxwoods, Atlantic City and Las Vegas. He loved the “wonder of it all” and with some luck in his corner and in spite of his outcomes he enjoyed each trip with his wife and friends.

He leaves his wife of 56 years, Ruth F. (White) Paolicelli; his children, Linda M. LaCava and her husband, Bud, of Weston, Leonard M. Paolicelli of Watertown, Waltham Firefighter Vincent F. Paolicelli Jr., of Billerica and Michael A. Paolicelli of Newton; his grandchildren, Kara, Jenna and Dana LaCava, Cory, Jack, Matthew and Gabriella Paolicelli; his brother, David Paolicelli of California; and many nieces and nephews;

Family and friends will honor and remember Vincent’s life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Thursday, July 7th, from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 9:30 a.m. on Friday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Jude Church, 147 Main Street, Waltham, where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorial donations may be made to Alternative Supports Inc., 47 Calvary Street, Waltham, MA 02453 or G.W.A.R.C., 56 Chestnut Street, Waltham, MA 02453.