Obituary for Sam A. Vinci
Sam A. Vinci age 79 of Anderson Township in Cincinnati, Ohio passed away on July 21, 2023. Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1943 to the late Joseph and Marie Vinci. Beloved husband of Lucy H. Vinci; father of Elizabeth E. ( Jason ) Cox and Matthew E. Vinci; grandfather of Britney L. Cox and Andrew D. Cox ( Sara DiLillo); great grandfather of Lincoln E. Brockman. Survived by sister, Patricia Callahan of Cleveland. After graduating from John Adams High School in 1961 in Cleveland, Ohio, Sam studied at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio on a full athletic scholarship. His career involved; Human Resources, Counseling and Recruiting.
At a fairly young age Sam exhibited talents in athletics and music. In Jr. High he played football and participated in wrestling, winning letters in both. Sam took accordion lessons. By the time he was 16 he played the accordion and was lead singer in the Bobby K Quintet which played around the area in weddings and other celebrations. In John Adams High School in Cleveland he was a member of the Acapella Choir. He sang solos in state competitions. Sam excelled in athletics. He had natural abilities; Football, Wrestling and throwing the shot-put in Track earned him 9 letters. In his senior year 15 colleges and universities including the Los Angle Raiders sent him letters of intent. Sam ended up choosing a full 4 year athletic scholarship with Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. While at Miami, he continued with football, wrestling and track. Music was not ignored as Sam became a lead singer in a band called C.J. and the Decuples; a five piece group named after the leader, Charles Joseph. They performed late 50s and early 60s tunes. During summer breaks Sam worked construction for his cousin as a laborer during the day at home in Cleveland. At night he sang professionally in a couple of night clubs. Sam met the love of his life Lucy at Miami in 1964. They wed in 1968 and were married for 55 years.
After college, Sam played football with the Cleveland Browns as a linebacker. That was short lived as he suffered an injury to his knee. Sams career in Human Resources took him to Chicago, IL for two years, transferred to Ft Wayne, Indiana, to Memphis, Tenn. to Montgomery, Ala, and finally Cincinnati, Ohio. He loved his work in Human Resources which included counseling, hiring, recruiting, networking, meeting and interacting with hundreds of individuals. During these years Sam became a father; Elizabeth 1969, and Matthew in 1972. Sam took pride and joy in coaching wrestling with his son and softball with daughter. Family meant everything to Sam! He loved gatherings whether large or small. Sam was a life force who had the never to be forgotten" personality that made him so special. He was a passionate fellow with a wonderful sense of humor who brought joy to his family and friends. Sam enjoyed listening and giving advice and later became a deacon in his church. Sam will remain in our hearts and never forgotten.
Visitation will be Friday August 4th, from 5-7:30p.m. at T P White & Sons Funeral Home located at 2050 Beechmont Ave. Mt. Washington, Ohio 45230. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to; Mount Washington Presbyterian Church, 6474 Beechmont Ave. 45230 or Hospice of Cincinnati, 4360 Cooper Rd. Cincinnati, Ohio 45240.
At a fairly young age Sam exhibited talents in athletics and music. In Jr. High he played football and participated in wrestling, winning letters in both. Sam took accordion lessons. By the time he was 16 he played the accordion and was lead singer in the Bobby K Quintet which played around the area in weddings and other celebrations. In John Adams High School in Cleveland he was a member of the Acapella Choir. He sang solos in state competitions. Sam excelled in athletics. He had natural abilities; Football, Wrestling and throwing the shot-put in Track earned him 9 letters. In his senior year 15 colleges and universities including the Los Angle Raiders sent him letters of intent. Sam ended up choosing a full 4 year athletic scholarship with Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. While at Miami, he continued with football, wrestling and track. Music was not ignored as Sam became a lead singer in a band called C.J. and the Decuples; a five piece group named after the leader, Charles Joseph. They performed late 50s and early 60s tunes. During summer breaks Sam worked construction for his cousin as a laborer during the day at home in Cleveland. At night he sang professionally in a couple of night clubs. Sam met the love of his life Lucy at Miami in 1964. They wed in 1968 and were married for 55 years.
After college, Sam played football with the Cleveland Browns as a linebacker. That was short lived as he suffered an injury to his knee. Sams career in Human Resources took him to Chicago, IL for two years, transferred to Ft Wayne, Indiana, to Memphis, Tenn. to Montgomery, Ala, and finally Cincinnati, Ohio. He loved his work in Human Resources which included counseling, hiring, recruiting, networking, meeting and interacting with hundreds of individuals. During these years Sam became a father; Elizabeth 1969, and Matthew in 1972. Sam took pride and joy in coaching wrestling with his son and softball with daughter. Family meant everything to Sam! He loved gatherings whether large or small. Sam was a life force who had the never to be forgotten" personality that made him so special. He was a passionate fellow with a wonderful sense of humor who brought joy to his family and friends. Sam enjoyed listening and giving advice and later became a deacon in his church. Sam will remain in our hearts and never forgotten.
Visitation will be Friday August 4th, from 5-7:30p.m. at T P White & Sons Funeral Home located at 2050 Beechmont Ave. Mt. Washington, Ohio 45230. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to; Mount Washington Presbyterian Church, 6474 Beechmont Ave. 45230 or Hospice of Cincinnati, 4360 Cooper Rd. Cincinnati, Ohio 45240.