Obituaries

Vincent Louis Tirelli

Vincent Louis Tirelli of Southold died peacefully at his home with his loving family surrounding him May 23, 2016. He was 84 years old. 

He was born on Oct. 25, 1931, in Bronx, N.Y., to Michael and Irene (Garzilli) Tirelli. He married his beloved wife of 63 years, Louise (LaFalcia), on April 11, 1953.

Vincent served as a corpsman in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Buckner from 1951 to 1955. Upon his discharge, he returned to New York and worked as a Union Marble setter, helping put the marble facades on many buildings in and around Manhattan. He joined the Fire Department of New York in 1962, serving with Engine 88 and as an inspector in District Office 7, both in the Bronx, until his retirement.

After his retirement in 1976, Vinny and his family moved to Southold, where he began a 30-year career as owner/operator of Vincent Tirelli Marble and Tile Company. He was an active member of the Southold Kiwanis, rising to the role of president. He was a lifelong New York Yankees and New York Giants fan.

In addition to his wife, Vinny is survived by his sister, Marie Bernasconi (Bruce) of West Nyack; two daughters, Laura Witek (Tony) of Ridgefield, Conn., and Valerie Tirelli Hallock of Southold; two sons, Vincent (Kristin) of Mattituck and Robert (Sherry) of Middleton, Mass. Also surviving are his nine beloved grandchildren, Katelyn Ettenger (Will), Evan Witek (Maggie), Vincent M. Tirelli (Sara), Sarah, Matthew and Brian Hallock, Olivia and Samantha Tirelli and Nicole Seay; and four great-grandchildren, Sean and Hanna Tirelli, Sydney Ettenger and Jordan Poole; as well as many loving nieces, nephews and cousins in the United States, Italy and Belgium. In addition to his parents, Michael and Irene, he was predeceased by two brothers, Anthony and Angelo.

He was much loved by many and will be remembered for his engaging nature, zest for life, witty repartee and the endless love and devotion he had for his family.

The family will be receiving visitors Thursday, May 26, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold. A Mass of Christian Burial with military and fire department honors will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 27, at St. Patrick R.C. Church in Southold, with interment to follow at the church cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to East End Hospice or Southold Fire Department Rescue Squad.

This is a paid notice.