We never met. But I was named after him. 

My father Manuel C. Nunes met Manuel Vincent while they went to school in Boston.  My dad, who would hold his own degrees,  said Vincent  was the smartest person he ever met. My mother, Lucilia, says that Vincent was a true gentleman in every way.  So it was no surprise that Manuel and Lucilia would name there first born son  after their beloved and revered  friend. They no doubt hoped that Vincent's name would inspire me to great achievement.  I have been practicing law for over 40 years  and hope that I have lived up to the honor in some small way. 

My father died years ago.  I discovered this obituary following an extended conversation with my 91-year old mother who wondered about her old friend.  She encouraged me to leave this late  remembrance, as  we share the grief of Vincent's passing  along with his family and friends. Know that Manuel Vincent's memory lives on in our family.  

Peace to all.  

Paul Vincent Nunes (Fairport, NY)  

pnunes@HNHattorneys.com

I KNEW THE CAPTAIN THROUGH HIS DAUGHTER SHEILA AND WAS ALWAYS IMPRESSED WITH HIS NAVAL RECORD, HAVING BEEN IN  THE USNR. HE AND I ALWAYS TALKED ABOUT THE NAVY AND HIS EXPERIENCES.

JIM KLEIN

My dear Uncle Jack, full of laughter and love. Our family gatherings, the three brothers with their story telling and singing in harmony. Another difficult loss for our family in such a short time. The memories however will last a lifetime. His smiling handsome face, and his saying "Oh my God!" when something surprised him, and of course his famous quote of all, "God bless your hairy head!". Rest in peace Uncle Jack along side Dad!  Love you!

Buck  Will be deeply missed at Arden Court, his great smile and funny little sayings and jokes kept everone on there toes.  Vincent family you are in our prayers.   Kathleen [ 11-7 ]

Uncle Jack's passing is a tremendous loss to the Vincent family. His legacy is one rich in love, humor, warmth and faithfulness to God and country.  Buckets of memories are filled from all the wonderful times I was together with all of you.
Countless Vincent family reunions at holidays and in the summers throughout my childhood are burned into my memory and grew in me the joy and appreciation for extended family. In his role as a Navy officer, Uncle Jack was an inspiration to me, and part of me always wanted to salute him! One particular memory I have is as a young person. His enthusiasm for Brazil really intrigued me. I loved to hear him speak Brazilian Portuguese. I was so excited when the opportunity arose for me to spend several weeks in Rio the summer of 1975 where Uncle Jack, Aunt Elza and Sheila lived at the time. That trip deeply engaged me for the rest of my life in a beautiful country and culture.  And unbeknown to him (and me!) that trip eventually prepared me to marry a Brazilian! 

I miss him and his kid brother, my dad Gilbert, whose recent passing reminds us all that the "greatest generation" is moving on into a far greater glory. 
As Uncle Jack always said, "God bless your hairy head." My hairy head -- in fact my whole life -- has indeed been blessed by knowing and loving Uncle Jack.  Dear Sheila and Aunt Elza, you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

So many wonderful memories of sitting on the tiny back patio at Tanglewood Court during summer Vincent family gatherings. I so clearly remember Uncle Jack's childish sense of humor and his abiility to pull coins out of ears and noses! I was amazed as a child and watched with such pleasure when he performed the same magic to the delight of my own children, so many years ago. Rest in Peace. Joan

The deep sadness brought on by the loss of yet another pillar of our family does not overshadow the sheer joy of remembering my dear Uncle Jack. A lifetime of memories shared with this amazing man will always stay with me. He was a most honorable person, with an amazing sense of humor and deep, genuine warmth. His remarkable service to our country and love for his family will remain his legacy. We will all miss him terribly. But we find peace in the joy we know he is sharing in being reunited with his young brother, my father - Gilbert. May they both enjoy the peace and love which they both so richly deserve.

Memories of Uncle Jack are rooted in the very fiber of my childhood!  To me, he always seemed handsome, smart, funny--and a big tease!  I have memories of visiting your home in Virginia at Eastertime.  I recall your visits to the "homestead" at Uncle Gil and Aunt Alice's in Fall River, forging the very definition of my childhood Christmases all together as extended family.  I remember summer clam boils by the pool at Uncle Gil's and your visits to our Long Island home during warm summer months!
My dad forever looked up to Uncle Jack as his big brother, his partner in childhood survival of the tenements, an inspiration for his educational accomplishments, and an inspiration for his accomplishments in service of our country.
The world has lost a fine man and great servant of our country.  My cousin has lost her lifelong cheerleader and inspiration.  Aunt Elza has lost her husband of more than five decades.  Rest in peace Uncle Jack.

OBITUARY

Manuel da Costa Vincent

November 22, 1918 – April 20, 2012

Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park

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