News
Friends And Family Mourn The Loss Of Vincent DiMicelli
Little Silver man dies in Newman Springs Road accident
By Judy O'Gorman Alvarez
WHEN FAMILY AND friends gathered for the funeral for long-time Red Bank and Little Silver resident Vincent Thomas DiMicelli, 56, last week, it was not his tragic death in a car accident last week that his family wanted him remembered for, but as the special person he was.
"Vinnie was a good, kind, generous, humorous and compassionate person," said his wife of 29 years, Deborah Ledig DiMicelli. "People often told him that when he came into a room they felt better. He had an aura of calm about him. Customers, neighbors, so many people felt that way. He could resolve issues, even when there was consternation involved, with humor and kindness."
The 56-year-old Little Silver resident was killed in a three-car accident last Wednesday, Feb. 18 when a car driven by a teenage Holmdel resident crossed the road into oncoming traffic and hit his vehicle on Newman Springs Road. The accident is under investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office.
The tragedy inspired an outpouring of support for DiMicelli's family from the community.
"I am overwhelmed by the support from Vinnie's family and the community. "It's wonderful when the long arm of your life reaches out and touches people, and they come to tell you."
Born in New York City, Vincent was the son of Leonard and Penelope DiMicelli. He and his family moved to Red Bank during his childhood, and he lived in Little Silver for more than 25 years. He graduated from Red Bank High School, where he was a member of the All-Shore Band on oboe and sax, played varsity football, and was on the chess team.
He attended Carnegie Mellon University, and then went on to earn a B.A. in History and an MBA in Finance and Real Estate from Rutgers University.
Among his professional achievements was the establishment of several successful businesses, including Plus Property Management in little Silver.
Predeceased by his father, Leonard DiMicelli Sr. he is survived by his mother Penelope, his wife, Deborah and sons David, 23 and Bryan, 24. He was a dedicated big brother to his siblings, Leonard and Thomas of New York, Daniel of Middletown, Donna Iverson of Tinton Falls, and Jeanne Gordon of Marlboro. Vincent also cherished his numerous nieces and nephews.
A dedicated Giants and Yankee fan, and an avid reader, he loved camping, especially winter camping, and along with his sons, was involved with the Boy Scouts. He coached Little League baseball and recreational basketball, and enjoyed spending time with kids and teens. "When he coached, he always tried to make sure the kids learned something and came away feeling good. He wanted to make it fun," she says.
A few days after the funeral, friends of the DiMicelli's sons came to their house for a candlelight service. Among the stories shared was the one when Vinnie drove a car full of boys home and offered to pick up fast food for them. "They couldn't agree on where to go, so he drove around to five different restaurants so that every boy could have something he wanted," says Deborah. "That's the kind of guy he was."
His sons will continue to take care of the business their father started, Property Plus Management. "They've been working along side of him in the business and with the great staff we have, and the help of Vincent's brothers, all of them in real estate, they will continue," says Deborah, an English teacher at Colts Neck High School.
Dedicated to his family, Vincent had recently celebrated his mother's birthday with them. "He was a special man, and he loved us all dearly," says Deborah. "My sons are heartbroken, but I'm glad they got to know him for so long. And I know he'll be whispering in my ear as we go through life without him."
In lieu of flowers, the DiMicellis suggested donations be sent to the Salvation Army. They chose the organization because when Vinnie and his five siblings were growing up and money was tight, they sometimes shopped at the Salvation Army, which they called "Sal's."
Coincidentally, the accident that took Vinnie's life was near the Red Bank Salvation Army on Newman Springs Road. "I think God pointed an arrow," says Deborah. "That organization helped my husband's family in the beginning, and now that they are all accomplished, professional people raising good families, it seems fitting that donations be sent there. This is a tragedy, but I want something good to come out of it."
Deborah says she wants people to know that as special as Vinnie was, he was like a lot of other good husbands and fathers. "There are men like him who continue to do their best. They pay the bills, coach their kids, love their wives and children - and they're the unsung heroes," she says. "That was what Vinnie was. He lived his life with grace, kindness and humility.'
