  The year was 1984 or 86. I was 15 years old and I'd been wanna-be rock star for about three years. I thought I had this guitar thing mastered. Then one day I came looking for a friend who was dating Vince's sister, Odessa. Expecting to find my buddy at the Tarozzi residence, I ambled up the driveway intending on knocking at the garage door. As I approached I could hear the melodic perfection of Eddie VanHalen playing  the guitar intro for the song'Eruption'.  Suddenly the  playing stopped, corrected a note or two, then started again. I immediately recognized the playing as being  live! Whaaaa?!? How could Eddie Van Halen be right here  in our own little neighborhood?!?  How did Vinnie and Odessa know the rocker(s) and why was Eddie VanHalen jamming in a suburban garage in San Jose on a Tuesday afternoon?!?  I waited for the intro to stop then meekly knocked on the garage door. The door lifted and to my dismay, the man standing there was Vince Tarozzi.  His guitar slung around his neck rested low at his hip, just like Eddie, and his massive amplified speaker stacks hummed as they rested between songs. I stuttered, nervous in the presence of such polished talent, as I asked if he'd seen my friend. I wasn't listening to his answer. I was too busy marvelling at the fact that he played so gosh darn well. Heck, I didn't even know he played guitar! My rock star ambitions got postponed that day. A REAL musician had inadvertently  shown me just how far I had yet to go. I realized I was a rank beginner as he humbly and shyly answered my questions about everything from his playing ability to his choice of gear. Vinnie was so confident, quiet, humble and  great at what he did, he had no impetus to brag or boast. I smiled dumbly as I walked home after that encounter. I was grateful that I was now privy to such a hidden gem. Later in life, I discovered that he too was a dedicated  martial artist. and we trained in similar arts, You live on in my heart Vin. Rock on...

Vinnie, may God bless your family and keep them in this terrible time.  May they find comfort in the memories that they have of you,  knowing how proud you were of them and loved.  What a beautiful tribute to your memory the video/movie was. Since I am in Texas, I wasn't able to pay my respects they way I would have liked but your video made me feel like I was able to. Fly with the Angels my sweet friend ..

Coach Vinnie showed great interest in the children under his instruction and rooted for them. He gave no second though on explaining and demonstrating moves to me so that I can practice with the girls at home. We are deeply shocked and saddened by his passing.  He will be missed. 

Dearest family, 
We are so sorry for your loss.  Praying for God's love and comfort as you go through this trying time. 

Vinnie, 
The brother of my best friend Odessa, the 80’s stud.   The one who drove us crazy, but made us laugh.
I am blessed to have known you.  
I will cherish thoes memories forever.    
My heart breaks for your family.   I pray they find strength from each other.   
God bless. 

Vinnie!

I have been in shock for a while, lost for words and so sad, but know that God just gained another wonderful Angel. He needed you more than us it seems and we will see you at Home aka Heaven soon. Your sister and I Odessa became best friends after HS (awesome memories and laughs) and that’s when I met you, rockstar Vinnie with that Hair! You were so sweet and a gentleman at that! My folks met you and I wasn’t sure how that would go, but you were so respectful to them and again, such a great guy. 

Seeing the love you had for your Wife and Kids amazed me. God bless your heart! ❤️

See you in Heaven my friend and I know you will always be that perfect Angel looking over your wife and kids and especially your sister. 

Peace, love, rock and roll Vinnie, Thanks for the great memories and giving me crap about the Niners every season! Haha ❤️😊  

He was one of the best coaches, He always encouraged my daughter Samantha to do better everyday, thank you Coach Vinny we are gone to miss you.

And, though the warrior's sun has set, It's light shall linger round us yet, Bright, radiant, blest.
-Jorge Manrique

I met Vinnie back when I started training at USH!!! We all treated each other like family there from the fighters, the coaches, and just the people that just wanted to lose some pounds...his son and my son trained together as well, and it was great to have Vinnie as a training partner, whenever we we're paired together, the classes where tough and he helped pushed me through it. I remember our Level 2 test, and I personally think it was harder than boot camp for the Navy. I mean it was Tough!! But it was also such a great environment to be in and I am happy to have shared the mat's with Vinnie. Thanks brotha, you are loved and missed. 

Vinnie, We met in high school because we had the same hair! Lol
Thank you for all of the memories! Heaven just gained another sweet angel 

I remember you as Odessa’s younger brother that she loved and adored so much may you Rest In Peace Vincent In God’s loving arms  Amen ❤️😘🙏

Vinnie...I cant believe your sweet soul has left us. So many memories growing up together that are now replaying in my mind the last few days. Some really special moments shared in our close group of high school friends. You were the one who was always there protecting us girls (Des, Jodi &I), and time showed u became such an awesome dad, husband and friend. U always reached out as time went by, when times were tough like a brother should. So many stories I could share which I will always hold close to my heart. Love You Brother,   Fly with the angels. I'll see you on the other side, and I imagine,  in true Vinnie fashion, along with that big Vinnie smile,  an 80's era solo greeting the next time I see you. :)  💔❤.  RIP my friend.

The hair ... always the hair Peno!!!
You were like a brother to me💕
Blessed   you were part of my  life💜
I so will miss you.
My deepest Condolences for the family 🙏🙏

He started off as Josh’s dad when we first met him at the kickboxing gym. He made sure Josh asked questions on if he was ready to Belt Test and made sure Josh always salutes and says “Yes Coach!”  As Josh got to Blue Belt, all the Juniors Coaches knew Vince. 
Later on he wanted to be part of the experience himself and took our Level 2 Test.  I was part of the group that tested him. The best part of the test was the bonus drills to see what else he could endure. The last part of his test was anIron Bridge.   At our age, Iron Bridging was not easy. He was up and down during the part of the test and I recall yelling at hin to get up. With pain, determination, and sweat pouring down his face. He popped up into the perfect Iron Bridge to finish this part of the test. I told.  He and I talked about his test earlier this year and I got to tell him how inspirational that was for me. 
When the kickboxing gym combined with the SMASH Gym, he felt out of place as we transitioned. I needed help keeping the Juniors Kickboxing program alive and we started building the program at SMASH.  He was amazing as an instructor, fellow coach that was reliable, always helped out, talking about new ways to improve the program, great with talking to parents, connecting with resources (making logos/shorts and Tiger Claw account for fear), and ...  I miss him so much. 

Vinnie,
My fellow Italian brother......God has a plan for all of us. Rest in Peace.......God speed.

Vinnie, I've known you since high school, we had some great times together, we loved concerts, you even worked out with my brother and we were the Italian brother and sister, you were my Pisano, love you and miss you, RIP my friend

To my dear buddy Vinnie,

So many good times
So many laughs and good smiles just appreciating our youth and who we were
You'll always be a good friend to me Vinnie....

Fly with the Eagles my dear friend

OBITUARY

Vincent Edward Tarozzi

August 4, 1965 – November 13, 2018

Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Visitation in The Chapel of The Roses

Funeral Service in The Chapel of The Roses