On December 9 th , Vincent James Culotta, Jr. passed peacefully surrounded by his family after a short illness. They say cats have 9 lives – If Vin was a cat he would be a proud tiger marching forward after the many health battles he fought and conquered over the last many years. Battles he faced with dignity, quiet, incredible braveness, a sense of humor and a fierce determination to live. He was not going to let anything stop him from enjoying all those he loved and whom loved him dearly.
He is survived by his loving wife Isabelle of Beacon Falls; his son Jon and his wife Lynn of Middlebury; grandchildren Brian and his fiance’e Emily of Simsbury and Ethan and Eli of Southington. He was predeceased by his parents, sister and Ellen and son Mark who was taken away much too early.
Born on May 28, 1937 to Vincent Sr. and Gladys Culotta in Waterbury. He and his sister Ellen grew up in Ansonia where he attended local schools and played ball. This is the time that his love for sports was developed as he played many sports including golf, baseball and basketball (he had a superb set shot). He attended Ansonia High school and as a popular teenager developed many dear friendships including his lifelong friend Don Poehailos. A short time after graduation they both entered the Army serving at multiple stations including Ft. Dix in New Jersey and Ft. Knox in Kentucky. Upon completing his military assignment he returned to Ansonia and embarked on his career with the US Post Office serving in a number of supervisory capacities in New Haven and Derby.
After his retirement from the Post Office in 1997, being someone who was never meant to sit still, he wanted to continue working. He sought out different opportunities and found an ideal fit working at Costco. This part-time gig turned out to be a 20 year stint as he worked until he was 84! As always, he thoroughly enjoyed all of his friends there.
He loved his three grandchildren Brian, Ethan and Eli immensely. He enjoyed attending all of the various activities they were involved in, taking them to movies and shows as well as just loved being around them. Vin beamed at being Papa and Grandpa Vinnie.
He loved his two sons Jon and Mark unconditionally. He was selfless in all that he did and instilled in them, amongst other things, his work ethic, his love for all sports and his sense of humor. He enjoyed following all of their sport activities, attending UConn games, coaching the Tigers in the Babe Ruth League and just being with them. If they needed something, he was there.
He loved his neighbors and friends. He enjoyed watching the families grow up on Coventry Lane. Over the years he was always so excited to be handing out the Halloween candy and he was very appreciative of being included in the neighborhood birthday parties. He cherished his many friends and his extended family and thoroughly enjoyed them whether is was having a cookout, going to the movies, taking vacations or just enjoying hanging out together.
The love of his life was Isabelle. Legend has it that as a teenager, Vin would volunteer to cut the grass or climb a tree just so he could catch a glance at the girl next door. A romance started when he was in the Army and culminated with a wedding in June 1961. For over sixty three years they were married and their love grew each year as they enjoyed the good times, dealt with the sad times, enjoyed great friendships, traveled (getting to play golf at St. Andrews and their trip to Italy were just two great highlights), followed their favorites teams like the Connecticut Sun, taking trips to the casino, grabbing a bite at Fritz’s and Jimmie’s and of course all things family. Isabelle was his rock and he was so grateful. In his high school yearbook he stated that he disliked work.
Well, you would never know it as early on in his career he did whatever he needed to to raise a young family – whether that was working night shifts, holidays or a second job. Later as time went on he was able to find more time to enjoy the extracurricular activities that he loved like bowling, card playing (he was so grateful to his friend Bob who helped him in recent years be able to play at the Elks) and of course golf. While he had great fun bowling, it was golf where he shined. He knew all the people, had tons of friends and knew all the courses.
He had great success winning many team and individual championships and awards. Ever humble, his family was very proud of him and the other golfers held him in great respect. He also loved that he could pass the game down to his sons and no one was prouder than Vin to go golfing on Father’s Day with Jon and Mark. Side note, I believe someone has a tee time waiting for you.
The thing that really stood out about Vin, if you really got to know him, was his humor. It was sly, it was clever and always delivered with a twinkle or a slight smile. His yearbook quote was “laugh your worries away and you won’t have any” and that was how he lived and that humor will be both forever loved and missed. A humble man, a truly good man is now at rest.
Family and friends are invited to greet the family on Saturday, December 21, 2024 from 1pm to 4pm in the Ralph E. Hull Funeral Home, 161 W. Church St., Seymour, CT 06483. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Salvation Army give.salvationarmyusa.org or to Beacon Hose Co. No. 1 35 N. Main St. Beacon Falls, CT 06403
