This obituary shares the life of Vincent “Vinny” DeMalteris, a beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather. Honoring a man that was a pillar of his community and a strong foundation for his family.
Vincent “Vinny” DeMalteris, originally of Brooklyn, New York, passed away Thursday the 17th of December after reaching the age of 90 years old. After months of failing health, he died peacefully within his home in Orlando, Florida with his Beloved daughter Simone, her fiance, Lonny McDougal and her children (Justin, Vinny and Johnathan) and the family dog Maggie by his side.
Vincent was born in Brooklyn, New York on September 29th, of 1930. Son of the late, Vito and Angelina. Brother of the late, Frank, Ralph, Jacklyn and Lillian. Husband to his late wife, Mary Cooper.
He was a strong patriarch of his family, a good friend to all, a man who would always make sure that you needed for nothing. Vincent worked for Drakes Company for a large majority of life until he retired. Vincent loved watching western movies as well as game shows. He enjoyed listening to the late Frank Sinatra, with one of his favorites being “My Way”. He was high spirited with a sense of humor like no other, he could make you laugh without even trying. Vincent was an avid fisherman, and made sure to pass down all his knowledge of fishing to all of his grandsons.
He was a good father who always took care of his children, a loving grandfather and great-grandfather to many, he did the best he could to teach and guide them.
He is survived by his three daughters, Marilyn (Robert), Lillian, and Simone (Lonny). Grandfather to Constance (Joseph), Brian (Dara), Carlton(Anastasia), Karlena, Justin, Vincent, and Johnathan. He was also a beloved Great Grandfather.
He was known as “Grandpa Vinny”, not only to his own grandchildren but to so many others that he considered family. He was an active member and has touched so many lives within the Hunter’s Creek, Orlando community.
This contribution of his obituary is from the community grandchildren’s perspective!
His love had no end, as a grandfather to the boys and a step-in grandfather and great grandfather to most of his community, he was a man that was known by Grandpa Vinny to more than just his biological grandchildren. In fact, every friend of the boys became grandchildren in his heart.
From The Gandley boys, The McDougal children and grandchildren, The Lopez children, The Perez boys, The Cordero children and many more households, this man was a patriarch of this built family. The Head Honcho. The Boss. We all hold a special place in our hearts for Grandpa Vinny.
From the many trips to McDonald’s feeding the countless grandchildren, lending a couple of dollars to them here or there, fishing lessons, to giving rides to the skate parks, to even allowing the use of his tools to create homemade ramps and rails to skate on followed by “YOU BETTER PUT ALL MY TOOLS BACK WHERE YOU FOUND THEM”.
We would all gather in the garage, he would make a point to come out and either help out the boys or just make his presence known.
Our all time favorite line of his, The famous “WHAT DO YOU THINK THIS PLACE IS, A RECREATIONAL CENTER” still echoes in ALL of our hearts.
He complained almost all the time about us coming and going, in or out, but it wasn’t him really complaining, it was more him acknowledging us in his own memorable way.
Never saying no, always making sure there was an answer to every asked question, a smart-ass reply to every dumb question, a laugh to every joke, and a smile to comfort us after his slick comments.
I remember, every time I would walk in the house, he would be right there in the front room, and never missed a beat, every entrance was similar, “Oh, it’s just you, or Oh, you’re here again, or What do you want now?”, the occasional, How you doing?” but never failing on my exit, he would always say “When am I going to see you again?” or “You be safe out there, See you next time.”
The lessons he taught, will never go unlearned. The memories created with him will never fade. His heavy New York accent will never be unheard. But most importantly, his love will never be unfelt.
We love and miss you very much, Dad, Grandpa Vinny!