Vincent F. La Rosa of Manhasset passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, July 2, closing his beautiful crystal blue eyes and passing into the arms of God. Born May 8, 1927 in Brooklyn, NY, to Filippo La Rosa and Maria Lupino, Vincent was a successful business owner of V. La Rosa and Sons Macaroni Company, founded in 1914 by his grandfather Vincenzo, a Sicilian immigrant. Vincent was also a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II.
Vincent graduated from La Salle Military Academy in Oakdale, Long Island, and received a BA in Business Administration from Seton Hall University. He was an outstanding member of the Manhasset community and American Legion. He coached little league football and lacrosse for many years and was a great bridge player. Additionally, he was a long-standing resident of West Meadow Beach, Stony Brook, New York, and the oldest member of the Stony Brook Yacht Club. He was an avid boatsman and horticulturist.
Vincent was truly one of a kind, intelligent, worldly, patient, wise and hospitable, as well as an amazing chef. Vincent was good-humored, smart, learned and always made family and friends feel welcome. He was very gracious with his time and had a genuine interest in the lives and careers of others. Vincent was loved and respected by all who knew him. He was a man of strong Catholic faith, a very proud man, finding the greatest pride of all in his family. Vincent was a dedicated father, grandfather and husband.
Vincent married his beloved wife, Kathleen Anello, on May 16, 1952, who preceded him on Jan. 1, 2012.
Vincent is survived by his four children, Kathleen, Vincent Jr., Rosanne and Phillip, two daughters-in-law, Clare and Klayre, two sons-in-law, Robert and Domenic, and 13 grandchildren: Katie, Julia, Emily, Vincent, Grace, Thomas, Elizabeth, SaraRose, Luke, Louis, Philip, Nicholas, and Erin Lily.
Visitation for Vincent was held on Tuesday, July 5 at Fairchild Sons Inc. Funeral Chapel, 1570 Northern Blvd. in Manhasset.
Vincent’s burial will take place at St. Charles Cemetery, 2015 Wellwood Ave. in Farmingdale, NY.
Luncheon to follow at The Jolly Fisherman & Steak House, 25 Main St. in Roslyn, NY. All are welcome.
Life is but a stopping place, a pause in what’s to be, a resting place along the road, to sweet eternity. A life well lived is a precious gift, of hope and strength and grace, from someone who has made our world a better, brighter place.
