Vincent Anthony Graziano A beloved member of the Trenton and Wildwood communities, Vincent Anthony Graziano, passed away peacefully on March 2nd, 2025, at the age of 106. He leaves behind a legacy of resilience, kindness, and a life well-lived. Early Life Born on January 28th, 1919, in his family’s residence on Fulton Street in Trenton, NJ, Vince was the third youngest of twelve children born to Vito Antonio and Mary Frances Graziano. His was the first Graziano generation born in America. Vince spent his early years growing up in the Berg section of Trenton, where he and his six brothers and five sisters shared a two-bedroom house. The boys slept on cots in the attic, a humble but tight-knit childhood that shaped his character. Vince graduated from Trenton High School, marking the beginning of a remarkable life journey. A Living Time Machine Vince's life was both practical and fascinating. How many people have had the privilege of being a living time machine, able to share stories from a century ago? He loved telling tales from his youth, often laughing as we reacted in disbelief to his adventures, like sneaking down to the basement for a snack of sausage from a wooden barrel. World War II Service When World War II broke out, Vince enlisted in the Army with his younger brother, Dan. In the 733rd Ordnance Company (Mechanized), Vince applied his mechanical aptitudes and skills, furthering his automotive training. His assignments took him to prestigious training sites at General Motors and Pratt & Whitney. After nearly a year of training in the U.S., Vince was sent overseas to the Pacific Theater, where he traveled to several island nations and earned numerous military honors. Among them, in 1994, he was awarded the Philippine Liberation Medal by a Filipino General. In 2023, Vince received the NJ State Meritorious Service Medal from the NJ Air & Army National Guard Commander, a moment that deeply moved everyone in attendance, as Vince, a sole WWII veteran, received the award with his cane in hand. Marriage and Family After the war, Vince married the love of his life, Mary Mealy, and together, they raised their family in Trenton. He would later reflect on the happiness of raising a family and the joy of his role as a father. Career and Later Life Vince worked as a civilian employee at Fort Dix after the war, before eventually moving back to Trenton. He then worked for the City of Trenton, becoming the supervisor of the City Streets Department. After 34 years of dedicated service, he retired in 1981. But his new career wasn’t finished yet. For the next 18 years, Vince enjoyed picking up his grandchildren and neighborhood children in his beloved large yellow Lincoln Continental at McGalliard School. He always said this mission kept him young at heart. A Man of Many Names Vince was known by many names: husband, father, Dad, Daddy, brother, brother-in-law, father-in-law, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, great uncle, Vince, Gramps, and Pops. Faith and Community Faith played an important role in Vince's life. He attended church regularly and cherished the sense of community it provided. He found joy in catching up with neighbors at St. Stanislaus Church and, in later years, Holy Cross. Wildwood Shore House Vince spent many weekends enjoying his shore house in Wildwood. Even after the Covid-19 pandemic, he remained dedicated to his parking lot job, where he met and greeted customers with enthusiasm, never once complaining about his boss and never asking for pay. This role kept him outdoors, active, and connected with others. In Wildwood, he was a local fixture, often found in his straw hat by the poolside or sitting on the porch, greeting passersby. His good-natured spirit and youthful energy earned him a large following of tourists who would stop to chat. In fact, he became something of a local celebrity after being featured in the Sun Magazine. One local physician marveled at Vince's longevity, often remarking that he “must be doing something really right to be so healthy.” A Legacy of Wisdom and Support Vince was known for his unwavering support and his ability to offer wisdom at every turn. He was always thinking of others, ready to lend a hand to family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers. His favorite times were those spent with family, especially at family gatherings. Family and Final Years Vince was predeceased by his loving wife of 37 years, Mary (Mealy) Graziano, as well as his parents, Vito Antonio and Mary Frances Graziano, his brothers Frank, Joe, Mike, Jack, Anthony, and Dan, his sisters Marion, Theresa, Rose, Mary, and Lucy, his son Charles, daughter-in-law Catherine, son-in-law Paul, and grandson Chuckie. He is survived by his daughters Virginia Voilas, Edna Lee, and Deborah Graziano-Eyster; grandchildren Karen Kandrac, Carla Bencievengo (Ken), Fred Everett, Paul Voilas, Caren Rocco, Anthony Lee, Craig Rocco, James Graziano (Michelle), Jennifer Eyster, Jeffrey Eyster (Aliyah), and Joseph Eyster; great-grandchildren Alycia Lewis (David), Josh Bencievengo, and Amanda Bencievengo (Alec); and his great-great-grandson Ryder Johnson. Final Rest Vincent Graziano was the last of his generation and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His life was an example of faith, resilience, and devotion to his family and community. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.