Vincent J. Tonucci, age 72, former Connecticut 104th District State Representative, entered into eternal rest on July 19, 2022, at Griffin Hospital in Derby, with his caring family by his side. He was the loving and devoted husband of Cynthia (Cartenuto) Tonucci.
Vinnie was born in Derby on March 2, 1950, son of the late Joseph P. and Burina Cammarata Tonucci. A resident of Derby, Vinnie worked as a real estate broker at Vin Tonucci Real Estate. He was a graduate of Shelton High School, class of 1968 and received his Bachelor and Master degrees from the University of Bridgeport. Before real estate, Vinnie began his career as a music teacher at Amity Junior High School in Bethany. He was the founder, lead singer and guitarist of the band “The Velvatones”, playing at many weddings and other special events. Vinnie was elected as State Representative of the 104th District and very proudly served the people of Derby and Ansonia from 1986 – 2005. He was especially proud of sponsoring the bills “Call Before You Dig” and the Family Medical Leave Act, among many other bills that were enacted into law. Vinnie was very active over the years in many Valley clubs. He was a member of the Sons of Italy Valley Lodge, the Adriatic Marchegian Club, Central Subalpi Club, Derby Elks Club and Moose Club. Vinnie was an auxiliary member of the Catholic War Vets in Derby where he enjoyed volunteering. He was a Justice of the Peace and past member of the Derby Board of Alderman. In his earlier years, Vinnie practiced Taekwondo and taught private guitar lessons. He loved cooking, trading recipes and sharing delicious meals with family and friends. He graciously hosted parties and numerous political fundraisers at his home in Derby. Vinnie loved spending time with his wife, family and beloved Florida friends at his condo in Naples, FL. Most of all, Vinnie adored spending quality time with his two granddaughters, who were the light of his life. Vinnie will be lovingly missed by all.
In addition to his wife Cindy, Vinnie leaves to cherish his memory, two loving daughters, Cara C. Tonucci of Shelton and Christa C. Tonucci of Derby, a sister Rosemarie Garceau (Jean-Paul) of Shelton, precious granddaughters, Teagan Rose and Alice Clare Keefe, a nephew, Paul Garceau of TX, a niece, Jennifer Dame (Jon) of New Hampshire, a great-nephew, Milo Garceau of TX, special Godson, Kevin P. Sharkey of Derby, an aunt, Michaelena Sampieri of Ansonia, cousin and “brother” Ron DeGregoria of Ansonia, several other cousins whom he loved dearly, two cherished friends, former Senator Gary Hale and former Representative Jack Betkoski, with whom he served in the legislature, and many other special friends. He was everyone’s “cousin Vinnie.” He was predeceased by his in-laws, Pat and Clarice Cartenuto. The family would like to thank Dr. Fred Browne and all the nurses and staff on one and two North for the exceptional care given to Vin during his eleven days at Griffin Hospital.
Relatives and friends may greet the family and pay their respects on Sunday July 24, 2022, from 2:00 – 6:00 pm in the chapel of SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. On Monday, all are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial, meeting directly, at 10:00 am at St Mary’s Church, 212 Elizabeth Street in Derby. Interment will immediately follow in Mount Saint Peter Cemetery in Derby. Contributions in Vinnie’s name may be made directly to https://www.lustgarten.org/, an organization that funds pancreatic cancer research. To sign Vinnie’s guestbook or share a memory, please visit,www.spinelliricciutifh.com.
