Vincent James Falcone

Vincent leaves behind his loving wife, June (nee Munnelly), who faithfully supported him for 64 years; son, Stephen and his wife, Priscilla; daughter, Maryellen; and youngest, Suzanne and her husband, Douglas; and six grandchildren, Caroline, Bridget, Matthew, Thomas, Daniel, and Robert.

Born on November 11, 1934 in Hamden, CT to Ralph and Rae (nee Martino) Falcone, Vincent had a joy-filled and fortunate childhood, benefitting from the attention of his adoring aunts after the death of his mother. He was raised by his father and chosen mother, Grace Milone, and was joined by his siblings, Joanne (Falcone) Wermann and George Falcone who predeceased him.

He attended Hamden High School and graduated from West Haven High School. He then completed an overseas tour in Japan with the United States Army as a member of the 7th Cavalry regiment. In 1960, he graduated from the University of Bridgeport with a B.A. in History and an M.S. Education.

Vincent was a high school teacher in Stamford Public Schools from the early 1960s and served as the head of the History Department at Westhill High School from its inception in 1972 until his retirement in 1992. It was from this experience that he authored Great Thinkers, Great Ideas: An Introduction to Western Thought which became the text for the Senior Seminar philosophy class at Westhill High School as well as at other high schools and universities across the country. He was honored for “Excellence in Teaching” by the state of Connecticut, and he was chosen by his peers in 1989 to be “Teacher of the Year.” Through his animated storytelling and critical questioning, Vincent helped his students to see the world more clearly, to reason justly, and to delight in the pleasures of a life well lived.

Vincent raised his family in Trumbull, CT, where he was an active member of the Trumbull and Bridgeport hockey communities as well as a member and volunteer at Christ the King Parish. He was especially proud of serving on the committee for the Tashua Knolls Building Project which resulted in the creation of the Tashua Knolls Golf Course and Recreation Area. He brought that same energy and dedication to his Stonebridge community in Naples, FL.

Always a teacher, Vincent loved to tell stories to his grandchildren about his idyllic childhood, to teach them how to play blackjack, and to give them pointers about golf and life. He helped to provide for and to support them in their educational endeavors. Through his hard work and dedication to family, he has inspired them to “be good and do good” and to find joy along the way. He was humbled by the support and grace of God and of his community of friends and family, especially in Naples and Connecticut.

There will be a Mass celebrating his life at St. John The Evangelist Church, Naples, FL, on Monday, January 22, 2024 at 2 pm. A reception will follow at 4 pm at Stonebridge Country Club. A memorial Mass and reception in Connecticut will be held in the spring.