Obituary for Mr. Vincent “Vinnie” Maugeri NEW HARTFORD – Mr. Vincent “Vinnie” Maugeri, age 89, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 3, 2018. His progressive complications from Parkinson’s disease were the cause of his passing. His wife was by his side until he crossed over.
Born on November 1, 1928, Vincent was the son of the late Thomas and Rose (Gullace) Maugeri. A relationship of 44 years then was blessed on March 17, 1981when he married his best friend, the former Denise L. Fontaine. They enjoyed each other’s company and common interests, and met their mutual needs in so many ways.
At one time he was married to the former Lillian Abdo and from that relationship came the blessing of three sons. Maugeri’s Auto Repair, that served the Utica community since 1928, was his family concern. It was established by his father and currently maintained by his sons.
Vinnie was affiliated with the business from the time he was a young child and throughout his adult life. Because he had such foresight for success, he expanded the mechanical auto shop into a 5 bay operation. Even in retirement during his later years, he would be there every morning to open up and make sure things were operating to perfection.
He had a hard work ethic and was a man of integrity and honesty. His unofficial retirement was in the late 90’s,… but he just couldn’t stay away. Vinnie was always smiling and happy.
He was very humble and never needed to be the center of attention. He was also generous, dependable, and fun-loving especially with his kids and grandkids, and a matter of fact, all kids! He taught all of his grandchildren how to ride their first bike!
His door was always open and all were welcome to his pool where many youngsters learned to swim under his supervision. He came from modest beginnings and never forgot the lessons learned, particularly the importance of sharing. In his earlier years, he participated in the sport of competitive stock car racing and he was often a winner.
He raced at Fonda, Brookfield, Norwich, and Afton. It was a pastime he truly enjoyed. He also had a love for motorcycles, and he had an intricate mechanical knowledge of various bikes.
He was a Corvette man and knew all the models and years. There wasn’t a Vette he could not fix! Vinnie enjoyed shooting pool, and also was a league bowler for over forty years.
During retirement, he frequently found his way to the kitchen to cook up Italian cuisine and share time with Denise. He pursued woodworking in the comfort of his home as a hobby, and he became more specialized and skilled as time went on. The different years and chapters of his life proved to be fulfilling and he realized that his was a grand life well lived.
He believed in being good and doing good, and those were the simple guidelines that grounded him and granted him a loving family and loyal friends. Vinnie is survived by his loving wife, Denise; his children and grandchildren, Thomas V. Maugeri, Sr. and Michele Puma and his children, Jaime Lynn Maugeri, Thomas V. Jr. and Carrie Maugeri, and Kelly Lynn and Matt Pacuk; Vincent “Bimbo” and Barbara Maugeri; Michael and Dee Dee Maugeri and their children, Michael Maugeri, Jr. and Meghan Leonard, and he held close to his heart the memory of his grandson, Vinny Maugeri who he has now joined; Nicole and Brian Yaghy and their children, Brianna, Joseph, and Isabella Yaghy; Kelli and David Sherline and their children, Alyssa, Jacob, Katie, and Brooke Sherline; and Kim M. and Karl Boruty and their children, Kayla, and Kendle Boruty; his great-grandchildren, Landon, and Lillian Maugeri; and Arya June Pacuk. He also leaves his sister, Theresa Bravo; brother, Michael “Mickey” Maugeri; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; in-laws, Teresa Maugeri, Esperanza Maugeri, and Robert Fontaine; and the thousands of friends who graced his life.
He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Anthony and Mary Maugeri, Pasquale and Lena Maugeri, Salvatore Maugeri, Thomas and Rose Maugeri, Joseph Maugeri, Eleanor Maugeri, and Angelo Bravo; his sister and brother-in-law, Stella and Enoch Blackwell; mother-in-law, Lucille Fontaine; and daughter-in-law, June Marie Maugeri. Family and close friends are respectfully invited to a Celebration of this good man’s life which will be held on Thursday evening anytime between 5:30 and 7:30 at the Chesterfield Restaurant, 1713 Bleecker St., Utica… Bring a happy memory. By family request, please omit floral offerings.
Arrangements are under the care of Eannace Funeral Home Inc. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mr. Vincent “Vinnie” Maugeri please visit our Sympathy Store.
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