Obituary: Vincent Thomas Christoni, 90, of Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT - (From Wallingford Funeral Home) Vincent Thomas Christoni, 90, of Wallingford, died Friday, May 28, 2021, after a brief illness.

He was born on January 11, 1931, a son of the late Joseph and Mary (Baldacchino) Christoni and was a lifelong Wallingford resident.

Vincent was a recognized member of the Lyman Hall Classes of 1949 and 1950.

After high school, he worked briefly for his father’s company, JR Christoni Trucking, and then the National Fence Company for a number of years.

He later returned to JR Christoni Trucking where he became a partner and subsequently co-proprietor and Vice President up until his death. Despite having had polio as a child, Vincent overcame the obstacles involved and it never impeded him in his endeavors.

He took on the challenges with acceptance, grace and a positive approach to life. He was industrious and hard-working.

Vincent was a devoted husband, son, brother, and well-loved uncle and great uncle. He had many great friends throughout his life. He was well-liked by those who knew him for his great sense of humor and kindness; he came to be affectionately known as “Uncle Vin” by all who knew him.

He enjoyed spending time at his cottage in Union, MA, and then Westbrook, CT. He also loved traveling, camping in his RV across the country, driving, trucks, and spending time with family and friends.

He was a lover of country music, western movies, and his two dogs, Pia and Tonto.

Vincent was an ardent supporter of many charities, a parishioner of Most Holy Trinity Church in Wallingford, and a member of the Libero Pensiero Society, also in Wallingford.

Vincent was the loving husband of Rosemary (Mlinarcik) Christoni for many years. After her death, he married the late Clara “Gina” (Poth) Christoni. He is survived by his brother, Joseph R. Christoni, Jr. and wife Marie; his sister, Rosemary (Mrs. Robert) Pachesa, and sister-in-law-law, Katherine (Mrs. John) Christoni; his nieces and nephews, Sally Gello-Silvers and husband Dennis Silvers, M.D., Karyn Gello, Janet Gello, Joseph R. Christoni III, Lori Christoni, John Christoni and Robert Pachesa; Lori Mlinarcik, Carrie Mlinarcik, Suzanne Mlinarcik, and Stephen Mlinarcik; and many additional great nieces and great nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, John Christoni; his sister, Janeen (Mrs. Salvatore) Gello; his brother-in-laws, Salvatore Gello, Robert Pachesa and Stephen Mlinarcik; his sister-in-law Shirley Mlinarcik; his stepfather, Americo DeMartino; his nephews, Roland Christoni, James Christoni, Thomas Christoni and Anthony Pachesa; and niece, Diane (Mlinarcik) Horsley.

His family will receive relatives and friends in The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main Street, Ext., Tuesday June 1st, from 4pm to 7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 a.m. directly at Most Holy Trinity Church, 84 N. Colony St., Wallingford.

Interment will follow in St. John Cemetery in Wallingford. Masks will be required at the services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Shriner’s Hospital for Children.

A livestream will be available Wednesday at 10 am. on his online obituary page located at www.wallingfordfh.com.