Vincent Salvatore Bonaiuto

Vincent Salvatore Bonaiuto

On April 13, 2023, Vincent S. Bonaiuto passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. In Heaven, he now joins his beloved wife of 65 years, Joyce Gettys Bonaiuto, who preceded Vinnie in death less than four short months ago.

Vinnie was born October 14, 1937, in Hartford, CT, to Amadeo and Katherine Bonaiuto. As the eldest child, Vinnie was a role model and helped take care of his younger siblings. Vinnie also became a skilled musician during his school years, playing both the clarinet and saxophone. He was a member of The Skyliners, a five-piece combo band that became locally popular and appeared on tv.

Growing up, Vinnie had a keen interest in war movies and toys, and shortly after high school graduation he enlisted with the US Army. He was stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri, where he met and married his bride Joyce. The couple soon relocated to Vinnie’s native Connecticut, where they raised their family of five children in East Hartford. His commitment to provide for his family of seven at times required him to work multiple jobs as a young husband and father. Vinnie had a long career with the State of Connecticut, working at the Department of Transportation for 33 years before his 1992 retirement. In his spare time, Vinnie enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with his family. He was a lifetime member of the East Glastonbury Fish and Game Club.

After retirement, Vinnie and Joyce relocated to Palm Bay, FL. They loved to travel, especially cruises. Many happy memories were made as they shared their love of cruising with their family. Vinnie took tremendous pride in his family, attending every child’s and grandchild’s award ceremonies, sports activities and graduations, no matter the distance. His legacy lives on through the values he instilled in his family and those who loved him.

Vinnie is survived by his three daughters: Pamela Marcacci (predeceased by son-in-love William Marcacci) of Palm Bay, FL, Patricia Chouinard of South Windsor, CT, Janice Lehmann (Wayne) of Wellington, FL, and two sons: Steven Bonaiuto, and Michael Bonaiuto (Barbara) both of Palm Bay, FL. He is also survived by two sisters: Annette Volpe of West Hartford, CT and Janet Bonaiuto Calhoun of Middletown, CT. In addition to his wife, he is preceded in death by both of his parents and his brother, Frank Bonaiuto.

Vinnie was a beloved Grandfather to: Bethany Hingle (Derick), Jenna Pospisil (Bill), Angelee Marcacci, Diana Sullivan (Casey), Derek Chouinard, Lindsey Rosen (David), Alison Moreland (Luke), Katie Williams (Nathan), Samantha Chimato (Matthew), and Michael Bonaiuto. He was a great grandfather (GiPa) to seven.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Hospice of Health First for the compassion and care provided to Vinnie and family. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial contribution to Hospice of Health First, https://hf.org/healthcare-home/departments-services/hospice.

In honoring Vinnie’s wishes, he was celebrated by his family in a private service.