Antonio (Tony) Vincente

It is with great sadness that we announce Antonio (Tony) Vincente, 82, passed away on August 5, 2024. Tony was born in Massillon on November 12, 1941 to Manuel and Rosa Vicente.

Tony was a lifelong resident of Massillon and always spoke fondly about growing up on the west side on Geiger Avenue. His parents immigrated to the United States from Spain and several of the family members settled in the same neighborhood. Tony loved having his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins within walking distance of his house. During his teenage years he worked at Liberty IGA. He worked at Tyson Bearing Company as he went through college, making many friends and memories there.

A 1959 proud graduate of Washington High School, Tony then attended Akron University where he obtained his Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Education. It was at Akron University where he met his future wife, Philomena Feola.

Tony’s career in education began as a teacher with the Massillon City Schools in 1967, teaching at Bowers and Gorrell. He then spent 2 years with Tuslaw Local Schools at Moffitt Heights Elementary School where he taught 5th grade and was head teacher. Tony then returned to Massillon as principal at Emerson, Bowers, and Whittier - where he retired in 1996. He loved seeing former students and was always honored when they would see him about town and say how much they enjoyed having him as a teacher or principal. After his retirement, he worked for the Red Cross driving dialysis patients for 10 years. He loved having the early morning shift and made lasting friendships with many of the patients on his route.

Since he was young, Tony had a love of cars. He would be the translator when his father saw a car for sale and wanted to haggle over the price. Any car Tony owned, and there were many, was always kept meticulously clean. It always brought a smile to his face when a total stranger would admire his Ford Ranger and ask if he would consider selling it. Over the years, Tony was active in Massillon Little League - coaching and on the Board of Directors. He enjoyed his weekly Saturday breakfasts with his friends discussing sports, cars, and life. Tony was an avid Massillon Tiger fan and never missed a game - whether it be home, away, or simply watching the game on tv.

Although he was a highly successful and revered educator, Tony considered his greatest accomplishment to be his family. His favorite time of the year was the annual family vacation to Myrtle Beach. This family tradition started with his own family of 6 and has expanded to 15 with marriages and grandchildren. Vacation would be filled with flying kites on the beach, miniature golf, and movie nights. Time with his family was special, and he loved creating family traditions like monthly family breakfasts, celebrating the last day of school with his grandchildren at the Dalton Dari-ette for as much ice cream as they wanted, and Father’s Day at the Smithville Barn that would include a trip to the toy store. There would also be a trip to the Smithville Barn in the Fall that would include the corn maze.

Tony raised his children with the same values of hard work and dedication that were instilled in him by his parents. He was the father of 5: Beth Vincente of Massillon, Jennifer Garcia of Wadsworth, Kristen (Josh) Berbari of Massillon, and David (Karen) Vincente of Massillon. He was the loving grandfather of 7: Mya, Philip, Jacob, Noah, Zachary, Allison and Kaitlyn. Tony was also the proud grandfather of 2 grand puppies: Fred and Migo. Tony never failed to remind his family of his love for them. He would always be ready with a text message, treat, story from the past, or one of his famous sayings whenever the situation arose.

Tony is preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Rosa Vicente, his sister, Pauline Davies, and his infant daughter, Emily.

He is also survived by his brother-in-law Robert Davies and uncle to Jeff (Jill) Davies and Cathy (James) Houston.

Tony is survived by his wife of 53 years, Philomena. The love for his wife knew no bounds. Anyone that had the privilege of knowing Tony also knew how much she meant to him. He never tired of telling the story of when he first saw her walking into their graduate class wearing the most beautiful striped dress. They were the best of friends and the love of each other’s lives. She never left his side during his brief illness and they were holding hands until the very end.

Friends and family may call at the Paquelet Funeral Home on Sunday, August 11, 2024 from 4:00pm - 6:00pm and on Monday, August 12, 2024 from 10:00am - 10:30am.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 12, 2024 at 11:00am by Fr. Robert Lanterman at Divine Mercy Parish (St. Mary’s Catholic Church). Interment will follow in Rose Hill Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Research Hospital, Massillon Washington High School Alumni Association, or Canton Central Catholic High School.

Messages of condolence and support may be sent to the family at www.paquelet.com