August 26, 2024
REST IN PEACE
PROVIDENCE - Vincent Joseph Bartolini, Jr. died peacefully on Monday August 26, 2024 at The Dawn Hill Home for Rehabilitation in Bristol, RI, following a period of decline caused by Parkinson's Disease. Born on February 9, 1934 in Providence, RI, Vincent passionately embraced each of his 90 years of life.
Vincent was the beloved husband of the late Mary (Martin) Bartolini, with whom he shared a life filled with love and mutual respect. He was the cherished son of the late Vincent J. and Evelyn (Giunti) Bartolini. A dedicated father, he is survived by his son, Daniel, and daughter-in-law, Therese Bartolini, of Providence. Vincent was the loving brother of Robert and his wife, Vicki Bartolini of Belchertown, MA. Vincent’s treasured sister, Eleanor Iasimone of Providence, predeceased him. He will be remembered as a loving uncle to Robert Bartolini, Jr., Anna Bartolini, Stephen Iasimone, and Geri-anne Vescera.
To know Vincent is to understand the key pillars that formed the foundation of his life: an unshakeable love for his family; a deep and dynamic faith in God that he constantly evaluated; a commitment to leading a values-driven life defined by love, charity, and ethics; a constant pursuit of knowledge and understanding; a fierce independence.
Raised in Providence's Federal Hill during the Great Depression and World War II, Vincent learned the value of work, money, and goods. But more than that, he understood the value of people and family. He often spoke appreciatively of his parents' sacrifices and efforts. He learned a strong sense of independence and self-reliance that he carried throughout his life.
Vincent's Catholic faith prompted a profound desire to serve and teach. Following high school education at LaSalle Academy, he attended Our Lady of Providence Seminary. He would leave Rhode Island to attend The North American College at The Gregorian University in Rome, Italy. He completed his secondary education and was ordained in 1959. He returned to Rhode Island to become a pastor at St. Anthony's in Woonsocket and Sacred Heart Church in West Warwick.
Vincent returned to Rome in 1964 to join the faculty of The North American College and pursue his PhD. He, along with classmates, students, and friends, actively participated in The Second Vatican Council. He believed passionately in a Church that embraced its local communities and adapted its teachings to be more modern, accessible, and knowable.
Vincent loved his time in Rome and brought his family there on numerous occasions later. He met lifelong friends with whom he would share a deep passion for knowledge and understanding. They valued faith, life, family, art, and healthy debate. Like Vincent, many would leave the Church to pursue alternate paths.
Vincent moved to New York City in 1972. He met his beloved wife, Mary, on a blind date in 1973. Married in 1976, they shared a passion for learning and exploring. After settling in Port Chester, they welcomed their son, Daniel in 1981. As exceptionally dedicated parents, Vincent and Mary instilled in him a love for family, education, service, and travel. They also instilled their passions for New York City, the arts, food, and a good Negroni.
After decades in corporate roles, Vincent returned to his calling as a teacher. He joined the faculty of Mercy University in The Bronx in the late 1990s, teaching World Religions, Philosophy, and Logic until he and Mary retired in 2013. They moved to his hometown of Providence, a city for which they shared a deep fondness. Vincent enjoyed being closer to his siblings, Eleanor and Bob, and their children. Mary and Vincent embraced their retirement, traveled frequently throughout Europe, and made their home the site for many celebrations.
In 2018, following a yearlong battle with cancer, Mary died. Vincent, having been diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2017, maintained his independent lifestyle until 2019 when he moved to Capitol Ridge at Providence for assisted living support. He sold his cherished home to Daniel and Therese. It remained the epicenter for family celebrations.
In his final years, despite Parkinson's relentless impact on all aspects of his health, Vincent's passion for living a good life never wavered. He cherished the company of others, embraced travel to any degree he could, loved food, and relentlessly pursued knowledge until his final days. Vincent was deeply loved and will be missed.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 10:00am in St. Pius V Church, 240 Eaton St, Providence, RI. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Crossroads of Rhode Island in Vincent's memory. https://www.crossroadsri.org/donate
Arrangements by REBELLO FUNERAL HOME.
www.rebellofuneralhome.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Vincent J. Bartolini, Jr., please visit our floral store.
Services
Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday
October 5, 2024
10:00 AM
St. Pius V Church
240 Eaton Street
Providence, RI 02908
Vincent was a long time member of CORPUS.