Silvio Michael (Chippy) Vacca 99, husband of the late Josephine (Culotta) Vacca, of Liberty Street, Pawcatuck, passed away on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Avalon Health Center in Mystic, CT. He is survived by his son, Anthony of Scottsdale, Arizona, his son, James of Pawcatuck, his daughter and son-in-law, Marianne and James Starwalt of Stonington and his son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Annette Vacca of Stonington; nine grandchildren, Craig (Stephanie), Christopher (Leslie), Jason, Adam, Paul (Mar), Jennifer (Michael), Michael, Katharene (Richard) and James (Jana); seven great-grandchildren, Luciana, Matthew, Emily, Alex, Megan, Canon and Dylan. Mr. Vacca was born in Westerly, the son of the late Antonio and Vincenza Vacca.
He passed away on his mother’s birthday. He was the last of his 13 brothers and sisters. He was pre-deceased by brothers, Michael, Rocco, Louis, Ernest, Gelto, Henry and Joe and sisters Dora, Evelyn, Lena and Florence.
He worked as an instructor and tool maker at Cottrell / Harris Graphics for 43 years. He was also a landscaper in Watch Hill during the 60’s. He was a member of the Harris Graphics Quarter Century Club and former member of the Maria Assunta Society in Pawcatuck.
Chippy and his wife of 68 years met on the dance floor and spent many nights at Ocean Beach dancing to the Big Bands. He loved watching the UCONN girls basketball team, the New England Patriots and having fun at Foxwoods Casino. He was a family man that liked nothing more than having his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren around him.
He looked forward to summer pool parties at his house. Since his wife’s passing 9 years ago, he began building bird houses and bird banks. He gave most of them away, but asked friends to make a donation to St Jude’s Childrens Hospital.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at 10:00 am at St. Pius X Church, 44 Elm Street, Westerly. There will be no procession from the funeral home. Burial will take place at St. Sebastian Cemetery, Westerly.
Calling hours are on Wednesday from 4 to 7 pm at Rushlow-Iacoi Funeral Home & Crematory, 64 Friendship Street, Westerly. The family would like to thank the complete staff at Avalon Health Center for the kindness, care, love and support that was given to our family. Each staff member treated him as if he was part of their family.
We will forever be grateful. Also thanks to Jackie & Christine at the Westerly Hospital ICU. You are all angels.
For online condolences, please go to www. rushlowiacoifuneralhome.com . In lieu of flowers contributions in Silvio’s name can be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital.
www. giftfunds. stjude.org (Click “Search for a gift fund” – Find a Fund – Enter – Silvio Vacca).
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