1931 - 2021
OBITUARY
Vincent Francese passed away at St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie, NY on April 14, 2021 after a well-fought battle against illness... He was 90 years old.
Vincent was born on February 21, 1931 to Nicholas and Sarah Francese in Wappingers Falls, NY. Attended Wappingers Schools and graduated in 1948. On June 8, 1952 he married Jean Williams, the love of his life.
He served as Town Justice in Town of Wappinger from 1962 until retiring in 1990. During that time he also served 14 years as acting Village Justice and for the first 5 of those years he served as Town Councilman, as well. In 2007 he was again appointed as acting Village Justice and served until 2014.
Vincent's other accomplishments include:
-Served in USMC during Korean conflict 1952-1954.
-Became volunteer Fireman, W.T. Garner Engine Co. in 1957, served as President in 1960 and received 50 year pin in 2007.
-Served as Vice President, was on the Board of Directors and served on legislative committee for DC Magistrates Association.
- In the 1970's served on DC youth board and DC Stop DWI board.
-Late 60's joined the Wappinger Falls Rotary and served as Vice President, President, Board of Directors, WF Rotary Representative at Regional Conferences and NY State Rotary International Conferences. In 1980's voted as WF Rotary's 1st Honorary Member.
- Served on founding committee and Board of Directors of Southern Dutchess Pop Warner Football.
- Along with his daughters, Michelle & Kathy, was instrumental in the formation of the Town of Wappingers Women's Softball League.
- Served as co-facilitator of Southern Dutchess Multiple Sclerosis Self-Help Organization from mid 1980's to late 1990's. Also served on Poughkeepsie area chapter of MS Walks.
His wife, Jean, was by his side since their first date in 1949 and throughout their loving 68 years of marriage. Vincent loved… fishing, drawing, painting, writing poetry and music, researching law, appellate decisions, openers, etc., and visiting with all of his family especially Grandchildren. He particularly loved big gatherings of family and friends for holidays, birthdays, special occasions or just a BBQ.
Vincent and Jean lovingly raised their 3 children in Wappingers Falls, NY. Dad, Grandpa, Poppy will be dearly missed by his children and grandchildren.
Vincent is survived by his wife Jean, brother Frank and his wife Ruth, sister Rose Horton, sister-in-law Carrie, sister-in-law Betty Nicoloff, daughter Michelle and her husband Wayne Crider, son Daniel and his wife Gilda…and predeceased by his brother Joseph, brother Nicholas, brother-in-law Louis Horton and his daughter Kathleen.
Vincent will also be deeply missed by his Grandchildren: Lydia Gates and her husband Joseph, Alfred Francese and his partner Kristina Alcala, Kimberley Shaver and her husband Chris, Lorin Whorf and her husband James, Kevin Crider and his wife Valarie - Great Grandchildren: Courtney Lynch, Aaron Whorf, Emily Shaver, Rachel Shaver, Evelyn Crider, Elizabeth Crider and Lance Crider - Great Great Grandchildren: Juliette Lynch, Lucas Whorf and Maxwell Lynch - numerous nieces and nephews, and the rest of his large extended family. His absence will be felt year-round, but especially during the family's regular large gatherings which will be bereft of his stories, jokes and warm presence.
Calling hours will be held at Delehanty Funeral Home on Monday, April 26, 2021 from 11AM-1PM, followed by burial and graveside service at Wappingers Rural Cemetery and a luncheon immediately following at Bella Italia, Route 9, Wappingers Falls. All who knew and loved him are welcome to join us in a celebration of his life.
Delehanty Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with funeral arrangements.
VISITATION
Monday, April 26
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Delehanty Funeral Home
64 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY
INTERMENT & SERVICE
Monday, April 26
Wappingers Rural Cemetery
174-208 W Main St, Wappingers Falls, NY