Obituary: Vincent Minutillo, 84, of Waterbury

Vincent Minutillo, 84 of 30 Cheryl Drive, Waterbury, died at Waterbury Hospital on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Amalia "Mollie" (Altieri) Minutillo.

Minutillo was born in Castel Morrone, Italy on September 18, 1927, son of the late Joseph and Maria Josephine (Marra) Minutillo. He immigrated to the United States in 1934 aboard the Italian Liner, S.S. Rex, with his mother, two brothers, and sister-to-be. His father had arrived earlier and was then operating Joe’s Barber Shop in New Haven.

Minutillo learned the barber trade from his father at the age of 13. Upon his graduation from Hillhouse High School in 1946, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served with the 24th Division Medical Detachment in Kokuru, Japan as a dental assistant.

He graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in biology, and worked at the UCONN Barber Shop while attending college. He taught biology at Wilby High School for 25 years, as well as a citizenship class for adult education in Waterbury.

Minutillo operated Vinnie’s Barber Shop on Highland Avenue for 45 years. He also worked and managed the Signature Loan Co. in New Haven and Waterbury.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Holy Name Society, Cha Rumba Club, the Town Plot Neighborhood Association and the Waterbury Retired Teachers Association.

A talented artist, singer, and actor, Minutillo loved nothing more that to share his talents with all he knew. He performed in several original musical productions such as "What’s the Difference?" written by Louis Cappeletti, and produced "Remember When," all for the benefit of Mt. Carmel Church.

In 1978, he performed the role of Tevia in "Fiddler on the Roof" with the senior class at Wilby. He was an avid gardener and worked tirelessly in his yard planting flowers.

Minutillo also enjoyed collecting music and had a great love of opera. He enjoyed UConn basketball games and the New York Yankees. In his healthy days, he enjoyed bowling and golf. He loved to travel abroad, especially to Italy, and took many cruises with his wife, children and friends. Most of all, he loved his grandchildren and took great pride in their accomplishments. His legacy will leave behind emptiness in the hearts of his family, for he was a great communicator and joke teller.

Besides his wife Mollie of 61 years, he is survived by a son, Joseph Minutillo, and his wife Mary of Watertown; daughter Donna Fazzino and her husband Louis of Woodbury; two brothers: Anthony Minutillo of the Republic of San Marino, Italy, and Armand Minutillo and his wife Philomena of Waterbury; a brother-in-law Jerry Altieri of Waterbury; his grandchildren Christina Minutillo of Hermosa Beach, Calif.; Michael Fazzino of Arlington, Va.; Daniel Fazzino of Woodbury; Caitlin Duffy and Matthew Minutillo of Watertown; and several nieces and nephews.

Minutillo was predeceased by his sister Michalena Petriccione, his sister-in-law Phyllis Altieri and his grandson, Thomas Vincent Minutillo.

The family would like to thank Dr. Ralph Tremaglio, Dr. Dennis Dobkins, Dr Sherter, and all the nurses and doctors of the ICU Unit at Waterbury Hospital for the care and compassion showed to them during his illness.

Calling Hours: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, at Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway, Waterbury.

Funeral: 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28. Leaving from Chase Parkway to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church for an 11 a.m. mass.

Burial: Following at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School, 645 Congress Ave., Waterbury, CT 06708.