Vincent J. Principale

Vincent J. Principale

July 24, 1926 - June 17, 2014

Vincent J. Principale

July 24, 1926 - June 17, 2014

Obituary

Vincent J. Principale was born on July 24th 1926 in Manhattan N.Y. He was the son of Mario Principale and Elvira Principale who were immigrants from Italy. He was the oldest of three children in a tight-knit Italian family and was raised in the Bronx.

He married Gloria, the love of his life in May of 1956, and had two children, Richard and Rita. While working he received degrees from Hunter College in New York City and a Master of Science degree from Connecticut State University. He began teaching in the Lakeland School district in New York and taught both 4th and 5th grades. Later he taught English as a second language to adults in the San Juan Capistrano school district in California.

Vincent was fluent in many languages including, Italian, Spanish and French and enjoyed conversing in these languages. Prior to moving to California in the summer of 1981 he owned, along with his wife Gloria, a real estate firm known as Country Road Realty in Putnam Valley N.Y. They moved to San Diego to start their life on the west coast then moved to San Clemente where they enjoyed 10 years of ocean views. They settled in Casta Del Sol in Mission Viejo where they have made life long friends.

Vincent was a lover of music and played the guitar for more than 60 years as well as the bass and piano. He played in both restaurants and the Wellington assisted living; he also has composed and written several songs. Although Vincent loved music, he loved his family even more.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years Gloria and his two children as well as his four grandchildren: Stefan, Gabriella, Maxx and Phoebe; and dog Peanuts. He is preceded in death by his brother Richard and is survived by his sister Juliette.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Vincent’s name to
Mission Viejo Animal Shelter
28095 Hillcrest
Mission Viejo, CA 92692
(949) 470-3045
www.cityofmissionviejo.org/animalservices/

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9 responses to Vincent J. Principale

  1. To Vincent and family, loved knowing your dad, he was a great guy and so creative with his music. I never forget the day I met him when he told me his name , Italian of course and there was an instant connection. He will be missed and remembered fondly.
    Theresa Vinciguerra

  2. Today was a day filled with Love, Respect, Devotion, Family, Friends, fond Memories,
    tears of sorrow at saying our final farewell to a man whose love of Family touched our Hearts. Vincent’s Music will be with us forever! He lived a full life filling every moment with meaningful expressions of Faith, Hope & Love! We all were blessed to have embraced him for so many years!

  3. Ray Starsiak says:

    Vince had many friends in the Open Mic Community. He was known as the Italian New Yorker and he was never afraid to tell you what was on his mind. He had a wide index of song treasures on his IPAD and could always come up with something new. My most treasured memory of Vince was when we had Beatles theme night at New Awakenings. He introduced the song “When I’m Sixty Four” and said sheepishly, “Well I’m no longer 64, or even 74 and I have to admit that 84 has passed me by”. Vince then covered the song wonderfully. We all couldn’t wait until 94.

    Arrivederci Vicente ,,,,.. Your friend in tune………Ray

  4. Not a day goes by that a sweet song reminds me of the oh so many fond times Vincent and my Dad brought so much joy to all of us with their heartfelt music. How fortunate we are to have their voices recorded so we can hear them and see those smiles in our minds and hearts. Always and Forever
    I will cherish each memory !

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