Obituary: Vincent A. (Vinny) DePaola, 89, Of North Haven

NORTH HAVEN, CT — (From North Haven Funeral Home): Vincent Anthony (Vinny) DePaola, 89, of North Haven, passed quietly on March 23, 2023, in the home he built, after a long struggle with dementia. He was the beloved husband of 67 years to Florine L. Melillo DePaola.

Vincent was born in New Haven on April 18, 1933, and was the son of the late Peter and Carmel Longobardi DePaola.

In Vincent’s early years, he worked for Cott soda and his family owned a gas station in New Haven. Vinny was the co-owner and operator of Dover Autobody. Vinny was the power horse of the body shop, his paint jobs and pinstriping were impeccable.

Vinny and his brother Tony had a working partnership that lasted for over 60 years. He was a hard-working and dependable man.

During his children’s youth, Vincent was the President of the North Haven Midget football league. Throughout his life, he was an active member of the North Haven community, involved in local politics, and a proud member of the New Haven Alpha America Club.

After retiring at age 58 Vincent became an avid golfer joining the Wallingford Country Club, co-managing local properties, taking his wife to the casino, and helping his children.

His most precious time was spent with his granddaughters, who he loved unconditionally. He is also survived by his son Michael DePaola, daughters Therese DePaola Riordan (William) and Maria DePaola. He was the loving grandfather “Poppi” to Jessica (DePaola) Cohane (James), Vanessa, and Erica Riordan and Great Grandfather (Pop-Pop) to Kyla Cohane. Brother of Anna Quinn, Theresa DeAngelo, Joseph DePaola (Nancy), Carmel DePaola, and sister-in-law Liz DePaola. He also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sons Vincent and David DePaola, brothers Anthony and Peter DePaola.

Vinny welcomed everyone into his home with a firm handshake and a good story. Vincent will be remembered for his generosity, strong will, and drive to achieve. To many he was a friend, to most he was a man that could be counted on.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929 or Shriners Children’s New England, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit North Haven Funeral Home here.