Cornelio, Vincent A.

Vincent Alfred “Vinnie” Cornelio 68 of Newington, passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Vincent was born on March 11, 1955 in Hartford, CT to parents Alfred “Fred” Cornelio and Antoinette "Flo" (D'ambrosio) Cornelio. He was predeceased by his father Alfred, and his niece Vanessa Cornelio of Arizona. Vincent was a 1973 graduate of South Catholic High School in Hartford. He spent the summer days of his childhood at his grandparent's cottage at Chalker Beach in Old Saybrook with his many cousins and relatives. Vincent worked alongside his father as a mason for many years before later taking over the family business, Cornelio Mason Contracting.

Known to many as “Big Vin'' he truly lived up to his name by being the life of the party. Vinnie welcomed everyone and there was no limit of friends and family that could join in the fun. He spent his free time cruising up and down the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound on his boat. When he wasn't on the water, he could be found on his back deck for pool parties, card games, and Sunday dinners cooked on the grill.

Vinnie never passed up the chance to enjoy a cold one with the people he loved most, all while listening to his favorite songs, watching football, and entertaining everyone with his legendary jokes and stories. He took every opportunity to travel to Arizona to visit his family and cherished the time spent with them. Vinnie was a loving devoted son, father, brother, grandfather, and friend. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his lifetime love, Paula Giangrave of Newington, his daughter Kelly Dickinson and her husband Scott of Newington, his son Vincent "Little Vinney'' Cornelio of Newington, and his grandson Kole Cornelio who was the light of his life. He is additionally survived by his brothers Alfred “Al” Cornelio and his wife Rise` of Tuscon, AZ, Michael “Mickey” Cornelio and his wife Cyndy, and his nephew Allen Cornelio and family of Glendale, AZ. Vinnie also leaves behind beloved friends and neighbors, David and Doreen Bowtruczyk of Newington, their daughters Abby Russo and Emily Bowtruczyk, and his treasured friend, Lautaro Stettler whom he loved like his own. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, January 11th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 12th at 1:00 pm at Holy Spirit Church, 183 Church St. Newington. Memorial donations in Vinnie's name can be made to the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org. To share a condolence with his family, please visit www.duksa.net.

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