Vincent "Vinny" J. Ahus

Growing up, Vincent enjoyed muscle cars, drag racing (won several trophies), and model airplanes – he was known to tell stories of how he always wanted a bicycle growing up, but his parents would never get him one (it was “too dangerous”). He was a prankster, that was always up for a good joke (even if it got him into trouble).

After meeting Barbara at a friend’s wedding, he married his wife of 52 years on October 25, 1969. Vincent often told stories of this time and the trips they took to the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and Bermuda.

In 1982, his first-born son, Jonathan, was delivered, and was soon followed with his youngest son, Brian, in 1984. While on a trip to Disney World, Vincent fell in love with Central Florida, and decided that Orlando would be the future home for his family.

Vincent was a computer programmer (before computer programming was cool), starting with punched cards in the 1970’s, and worked for companies like AT&T and IBM. He was a “perfectionist” that took pride in his “handyman” skills – every tool had a proper place (which he would be able to find if you only would have put it back properly). His depth of work included (but was not limited to) auto maintenance, lawn irrigation, concrete, and carpentry.

He was a life-long lover of US History and Science, which he shared with his family with frequent drives to watch NASA Space Shuttle and rocket launches, many museum visits (he would highly recommend you check out the “Powers of Ten” film that used to play at Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum), and trips to National landmarks. Vincent’s love of cars never waned, and he closely followed NASCAR, taking in many races at Daytona – he loved to tell stories of his experience as an extra in the movie “Days of Thunder”. He was an action movie cinephile, appreciating the works of movie stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, and Tom Cruise – and of course great admiration for all of the James Bond movies (although no one could beat Sean Connery).

Vincent took pride in providing for his family and giving opportunities & experiences that he would have always wanted as a child – always putting a lot of pressure on himself during Christmas.

As his health declined later in life he had to rely more and more on his loving wife, but he always tried to maintain his independence.

In 2021, Vincent got to meet his first grandchild, Millie; soon followed by Thomas in 2022.

Tragically, Barbara passed away in September 2022 (only nine days before Thomas was born). Vincent’s heart was irreparably broken – she was his everything – and he could never really recover, passing away on January 20, 2023.

He will be remembered for his sense of humor, work ethic, and a thirst for knowledge.

Vincent was preceded in death by the love his life, Barbara, and is survived by two sons, Jonathan and Brian, his grandchildren, Millie and Thomas, his sister, Valerie, and dog, Button (who misses all the snacks that he would “drop” while eating).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared for the Ahus family in the online guest book below.