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Frank R. Vinciguerra

Frank R. Vinciguerra, age 91, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 6, 2023. He left us to join his beloved wife, Louisa L. (Carrazzone) Vinciguerra, in eternal rest less than 24 hours after her passing. They had been married for 65 years. Frank was born in Newburgh, New York to Raffaele Vinciguerra and Michelina La Sala Vinciguerra. He is survived by his three sons, Ralph L. Vinciguerra (Lori), Michael A. Vinciguerra (Janine Johnson), and Louis L. Vinciguerra (Janet); his four granddaughters: Rachel, Amelia, Natalie, and Francesca; his sister Eugenia Vinciguerra Dukas; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; and his sisters, Antionetta Ciancanelli, Carmelina Moresco, and Francesca Valletti.

After graduating from high school, Frank enlisted in U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and served as a survival technician. He earned the rank of Staff Sargent and was honorably discharged. After serving his country, Frank worked for IBM in Poughkeepsie, New York, and worked his way up to being a manager of engineering. He worked there his entire career and retired in 1990. It was at IBM where he met the love of his life, Louisa, who was working as a draftsperson.

Always one to burn the candle at both ends, Frank became a self-taught architect and formed his own construction company with his brother-in-law Gennaro Carrazzone called VICAR Construction, where they designed and built over two dozen custom homes in the Hyde Park, New York area.

Frank had a love of sailing for most of his adult life. He and the family owned a Pearson Vanguard, named the Blue Angel, that they sailed together for 35 years. He was a member and Past Commodore of the Poughkeepsie Yacht Club; and was very proud that, during his tenure, he led the club to expand its membership to women. He also was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and rose to the rank of Flotilla Commander. The family spent many summer vacations sailing from Hyde Park to Long Island Sound. It was during one of these vacations that he discovered Old Saybrook, where he and Louisa retired to a home that he designed in 1990. Once settled, Frank served on the Old Saybrook Planning Commission and the Architectural Review Board. He also co-chaired the Gateway Building Construction Subcommittee. In 2000, he purchased and renovated a dilapidated garage at 247 Main Street. He transformed it into a bakery on the first floor and The Tracy Art Center on the second floor. He affectionately called this building Clock Tower Square. All the while, he pursued his love of sailing by joining the North Cove Yacht Club, where he eventually served as Commodore. During his tenure, he led the expansion of the clubhouse and added a cupola which was one of his signature designs.

In retirement, he became a NAMS marine surveyor and surveyed countless boats throughout New England. He was also a member of the Old Saybrook Historical Society and designed its garden shed behind the archive building. He continued to enjoy sailing, skiing, and architecture well into his later years; however, his greatest joy was spending time with his beloved Louisa and the entire family. He loved watching his granddaughters grow, singing while Louisa played piano, and enjoying many pasta Sunday supers. There was nothing he loved more than having the entire family around the dinner table enjoying a meal and having a lively discussion. We will miss his many stories, his support and guidance, and his unconditional love.

There will be a private gravesite ceremony for immediate family later this spring. He and Louisa will be laid to rest at Cypress Cemetery, and they will forever overlook the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Old Saybrook Historical Society or the Old Saybrook Garden Club.