Former State Rep. Vincent J. Tonucci with current State Rep. Kara Rochelle.
DERBY – They broke the mold when it came to one of the Valley’s most beloved sons, Vincent J. Tonucci.
That’s what many of Tonucci’s friends and former colleagues said about the 72-year old Derby native who passed away Tuesday (July 19) after a brief battle with cancer.
Tonucci, who for nearly two decades represented Ansonia and Derby as their state representative in the 104th district, and later became owner of Vin Tonucci Real Estate, was lauded for his dedication to the Valley and its citizens.
The Tonucci Legacy
Tonucci’s got a lot done while in Hartford.
He was instrumental in creating the ‘Call Before You Dig’ law, following the devastating explosion at the former River Restaurant in 1985. He secured funding to establish the former Valley Street Crime Unit. He helped facilitate the transfer of the Connecticut National Guard Armory to the City of Ansonia, and fought every year to get money for Ansonia and Derby schools.
Those who knew him best said Tonucci treasured his family and friends and put them before politics. He loved good food, having fun and with his charming smile and sense of humor, welcomed everyone into his circle.
Reaction
“My heart is broken,” said Linda Gentile, who was elected to fill Tonucci’s Democratic legislative seat in Hartford when he retired in 2004.
She held the seat until she retired in 2018.
“When Vinnie was retiring from his position, he actually reached out to me and asked me to run to be his successor. He was always very supportive and encouraging. I knew I could call on him for anything and he would be there to help. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on for generations.”
Former state Sen. Gary Hale was one of Tonucci’s closest friends. Hale, Tonucci and another good friend, Jack Betkoski, ran together as a team in 1986 as the Valley’s Democratic delegation, representing folks in Ansonia, Derby and Beacon Falls.
“We ran as a team for the Valley, and it really resonated with people,” said Hale, who served the senate from 1986 – 1992. “I’ve been around politics for a long time and there’s so much ego, but never with Vinnie. We remained close friends, having attended the funerals of our parents, weddings of our children, graduations and births. Vinnie and I would meet once a month for a cold beer on a Friday at the Central Subalpi Club in Ansonia, and while people would likely expect us to talk about politics, that never was the case. We talked about our kids, we talked about the Yankees and how my idea of gourmet dining was putting a slice of American cheese on his tuna fish sandwich.”
Hale said Tonucci’s favorite quote was from President Abraham Lincoln: “The better part of one’s life consists of his friendship.”
“I know Honest Abe wasn’t talking about him, but, boy, does that ever apply to Vinnie,” Hale said. “It was great to be his running mate in government and politics, but it was a true honor to be his friend.”
Hale said he got in touch with Connecticut Congressman John Larson who plans to fly a flag over the state capital in Tonucci’s honor, and later present it to Tonucci’s wife, Cindy.
Betkoski, the long-serving vice-chairman of the state’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, worked alongside Tonucci in Hartford, representing the 105th district for five terms.
“Vinnie was a dear, dear friend to me for over 30 years,” Betkoski said. “He was an absolute joy to work with, who was dedicated to his beautiful family and the Valley. He would always carry around a little notepad in his pocket so he could write down what people in his district needed. Vinnie and I never had a cross word in the 30-plus years I knew him, and that’s just the kind of guy he was. He was selfless, always wanted to help people and he really broke the mold.”
A campaign flyer shared to state Rep. Kara Rochelle's Facebook page on Wednesday.
Sweet, Genuine
Rick Dunne, executive director of the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments, said his history with Tonucci goes back to when Dunne was in diapers.
“I literally knew him my entire life,” Dunne said. “He dated my aunt when he was a teenager and was my babysitter. “Vinnie was one of the sweetest and most genuine guys in the world. That’s why he was so successful at politics and at real estate and at almost anything he did. It was never really about the issue at hand, for him, but about the personal relationships. And if someone did something that would normally anger most people, Vinnie had a hard time responding to that, because you just couldn’t make him mad.”
State Rep. Kara Rochelle, who in 2018 was elected to the 104th district seat that both Gentile and Tonucci held in the Valley for decades, was hit hard by the loss of her friend, mentor and confidante.
“I remember how nervous I was meeting him and Gary Hale for the first time when I was considering running for Vin’s old seat,” Rochelle said. “Vin was kind and had an easy and thoughtful way of communicating. Vin had a gentle genuineness to him that is rare, especially in politics. It always stays with me that, when Jan. 6 happened, Vin called me immediately to ask where I was and if I was safe. Just two months ago, Vin seconded my nomination for re-election. It was completely humbling to get his nod of approval.”
Rochelle said she’ll honor her friend’s memory and legacy by “carrying forward Vin Tonnuci’s dedication to serving the people of the 104th.” She would also like to see a street in either Ansonia or Derby, or both, named “Tonucci Way” in his honor
Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti said he knew Tonucci since he was a kid.
“Vinnie was an extraordinary state rep that helped everyone out,” Cassetti said. “The Sicilian family ties run deep. He voted against the state income tax and secured more funding for our police. Transferring the Armory to the City of Ansonia was really great foresight on his part, as we are now considering the Armory as a community center for our residents. We are so grateful to have that resource.”
He Was A Valley Son
Derby Town/City Clerk and former Mayor Marc Garofalo said Tonucci was one of a kind.
“It’s a very sad day in the Valley when we lose a true gentleman leader,” Garofalo said. “Vin was a gracious leader with extraordinary listening skills. He truly represented what are the best characteristics of the Valley.”
Garofalo said Tonucci was the type of guy who never sought credit or recognition for the many things he accomplished for the Valley, like securing funds for the track and renovations at Emmett O’Brien High School and the Sterling Opera House.
“My lasting memories of Vin will be the times we would see each other at either one of our homes or at Altimari’s Little Italy,” Garofalo added. “His hospitality and gregarious personality are a light and example to all whom he touched.”
Final Arrangements
Tonucci leaves behind his wife Cindy, daughters Cara and Christa, two grandchildren and sister Rose Marie Garceau.
Tonucci’s arrangements are being handled through the Spinelli-Ricciuti Funeral Home, 62 Beaver St., Ansonia. A wake will take place there from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 24, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Monday, July 25 at Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Church, 212 Elizabeth St. Derby.
More information will be posted here:
Spinelli — Ricciuti Funeral Home : Ansonia, Connecticut (CT) (spinellifuneralhome.com)
