Obituary of Vincent Ianni

Vincent Ianni, 86 years old, died on Saturday, 14 September 2019.  He was born in Pellegrina, Italy.  His official date of birth was 5 January 1933.  However, according to Vincent's parents, his actual date of birth was 5 December 1932.  Apparently, there was a delay in reporting his birth.  Vincent's father, Girolamo Ianni (aka Jerry Ianni), served in the United States Navy and later worked as a longshoreman.  His mother, Vincenza, worked as a seamstress.

Vincent lived in Italy through the end of World War II.  He and his mother arrived on Ellis Island as immigrants on 12 October 1946 (Columbus Day).  His father had already become a U.S. citizen and was waiting for them to join him.  The family lived in Brooklyn, New York from 1946 until 1964.  In 1964, they moved to Fort Lee, New Jersey.  Vincent moved to Leonia, New Jersey in 1968 after he married.  The marriage didn't last long and ended in a divorce.  However, his son Jerry Girolamo Ianni was born during this time in 1970.  He then moved back to Fort Lee and lived with his parents until their deaths in the mid-1970s.  Afterwards, he returned to Leonia and lived there for most of the rest of his life.

Dubbed the "Original Laughing Boy" by the editors of his high school yearbook, Vincent had a warm, friendly personality.  He loved to make witty observations.  For example, if a petite person walking a large dog passed him on the sidewalk, he would remark "Who's walking who"?  Vincent served in the United States Army during the Korean War in 1954 - 1955.  He obtained a BBA degree from Baruch College in 1959 and worked as an accountant for several years.  During his Army years, Vincent suffered a disability.  The Veterans Administration eventually rated it as 100% service connected, and Vincent began receiving a pension.  During the latter part of his life, he maintained a frugal lifestyle and relied on Social Security income and the VA pension.  He devoted his energies to rearing his son Jerry and being a large part of his life.  They developed a very close relationship.   Vincent's constant love and tireless support helped enable Jerry to complete a Ph.D. in Mathematics in 2001 and to become a skillful musician.

Vincent was a Christian, and he developed a deep faith in God.  He lived his life in a way that reflected his trust in God's care and provisions.  He maintained hope in all circumstances --- both joyful and sorrowful.  After his son Jerry married in 2007, Vincent welcomed his daughter-in-law Yevgeniya into the family and developed a close relationship with her as well.  That relationship deepened over the last few years when Vincent began suffering from dementia.  Vincent and Yevgeniya enjoyed walking around Leonia and experiencing the sights and sounds.  Together with Jerry, the three of them often participated in activities and worship at the Leonia United Methodist Church and Vincent was recognized in that community.  Both Jerry and Yevgeniya also enjoyed caring for Vincent when he no longer could take care of himself.  Vincent's grandson, Caleb Vincent Ianni, was born on 29 April 2019.  Vincent bonded with the baby immediately, and they were able to interact in many precious ways during the final few months of Vincent's life.

Vincent Ianni is survived locally by his son Jerry Girolamo Ianni, his daughter-in-law Yevgeniya Przhebelskaya, and his grandson Caleb Vincent Ianni.  He is also survived by some relatives in Italy.

The family will receive their friends on Friday 11:00 - 12:15 PM at the Frank A. Patti and Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home 327 Main Street “opposite the Fort Lee Library”.  Religious Service to Follow at 12:15   For condolences, directions, or information call (201) 944-0100 or www.frankpatti.com