Vincenzo “Vinny” DiNicola passed away on Jan. 14. Vinny was born on Oct. 23, 1930, in New Haven to Antonio DiNicola and Maria (Gulisano) DiNicola and lived his whole life in New Haven County. He moved to Guilford on Jan. 26, 1968, with his wife and four children and lived in the home he built until a week before his passing.

Vinny served in the Army as a cook during the Korean War. After the Army, Vinny worked several construction jobs, climbing his way to a foreman position at Premier Roofing. He finished out his career retiring from Gerber and Hurley.

Vinny was a proud member of the American Legion where he would often lend his time serving his community.

Vinny was passionate about gardening, clamming, and cooking his favorite Italian foods annually. He passed down the traditions of making ham pies at Easter, eggplant and stuffed hot peppers in the summer, and meatballs year round to his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed making macaroni, soffritto, and beef soup. Family and friends always knew when to stop by and sample his delicious food.

Vinny is survived by his wife of almost 69 years Marie (Simone) DiNicola; his three sons, Vincent DiNicola, Jr., Gary DiNicola, Sr., and James DiNicola, Sr.; his daughter Karen (DiNicola) Abbatello; 13 grandchildren; and a continually growing generation of great-grandchildren.

Vinny was predeceased by his parents, siblings, and many friends.

Friends are invited to calling hours from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St, Guilford. Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 20, at the Guilford Funeral Home. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. George Cemetery, Hubbard Rd, Guilford. In lieu of flowers a donation could be made to The Guilford Community Fund, P.O. Box 271, Guilford, CT 06437 ; https://guilfordcommunityfund.org/make-a-donation/

To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.