Vincenzo Poggioreale

In Loving Memory of Vincenzo Poggioreale

It is with profound sadness, yet immense gratitude for a life so beautifully lived, that we announce the passing of Vincenzo Poggioreale, who entered eternal rest at the age of 85 after a brief illness. Surrounded by the love of his family in his final moments, Vincenzo left this world the same way he lived in it—with strength, dignity, humility, and an unwavering love for those closest to him.

Vincenzo was born in 1941 in the beautiful town of Marineo, Sicily. As a young boy, he worked alongside his father, Ciro Poggioreale, cultivating wheat fields and producing olive oil. Those early years shaped the man he would become, teaching him the values of hard work, perseverance, sacrifice, and pride in earning an honest living.

In 1955, at just fourteen years old, Vincenzo immigrated to the United States with his father in search of a better life. They settled on Nelson Street in the Carroll Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Like so many immigrants of his generation, he arrived with little more than hope, determination, and an incredible work ethic. Through hard work and perseverance, he built the American dream for himself and his family.

Shortly after arriving in America, Vincenzo began working for Shultz Company, Inc., a renowned Harlem-based manufacturer and service provider specializing in custom wood, metal, and plastic store interiors and equipment for supermarkets throughout the United States. It was there that he learned the carpentry trade and developed the skills that would make him a master carpenter.

For nearly fifty years, Vincenzo proudly worked for Shultz Company while serving as a dedicated member of Carpenters Local 257, later known as Local 157. His craftsmanship took him across the country, remodeling and building supermarkets in Puerto Rico, Florida, Texas, and many other states. Whether working close to home or thousands of miles away, he approached every project with precision, pride, and an unmatched work ethic.

To Vincenzo, work was never simply a job—it was his passion. He often said, "When I work, I feel like a million dollars." Those words perfectly captured the joy he found in creating something with his own hands. He loved to build, to fix, to improve, and most importantly, to help others. Whether it was family, friends, or neighbors, he was always there with his tools, his knowledge, and his willingness to lend a hand. His greatest joy was helping his two sons, Vincent and Anthony, teaching them not only how to work with their hands but also how to approach life with integrity and determination.

On May 31, 1964, Vincenzo married Cecilia Poggioreale. Together they shared more than 62 beautiful years of marriage built on love, faith, commitment, and sacrifice. Together they created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family.

Their greatest accomplishments were their two sons, Vincent and Anthony, whom Vincenzo loved beyond measure. Through his example, he taught them the importance of honesty, hard work, responsibility, and putting family first. Those lessons became the foundation upon which they built their own lives.

If there was one thing Vincenzo loved as much as his work, it was gathering around the table with the people he loved. He had a passion for food and cooking and took tremendous pride in preparing and enjoying a great meal. Like many proud Italians, he was also known for being a bit of a perfectionist in the kitchen. If a meal wasn't prepared quite the way he thought it should be, everyone would certainly hear about it. It wasn't criticism born from unkindness; it was simply part of who he was. His love of food, tradition, and family dinners created countless memories filled with laughter that his family will cherish forever.

Vincenzo's greatest pride and joy were his five beloved grandchildren, Lia, Julianna, Thomas, Vincent, and Michael. They adored their grandfather, and he adored them right back. To them, he was much more than a grandfather; he was their teacher, protector, storyteller, role model, and hero. His wisdom, humor, and unconditional love shaped each of their lives in ways that will continue for generations.

Family meant everything to Vincenzo. He was especially grateful to have been reunited during his final months with his beloved sister, Carmelina, the last surviving sibling of his family. Their reunion after so many years was a priceless gift that brought him immeasurable comfort and happiness. He also cherished the love and companionship of his devoted niece, Cira, whose visits filled his heart with joy and whose presence brought peace and happiness during the final chapter of his life.

Vincenzo was known for the simple yet profound advice he shared throughout his life. His family will forever hear his voice saying:

"Save your money."

"Read the books."

" Do what your pocket tells you to do."

And perhaps the words that defined him better than any others:

"Don't worry about me. Do what you have to do. I am okay."

Even in his final days, those were the words he spoke. He was thinking about everyone else before himself, just as he always had.

During the last five months of his life, Vincenzo was lovingly cared for in the home of his son Anthony and daughter-in-law Liz. Every single day, he was surrounded by the love of his family. His son Vincent and daughter-in-law Christina visited faithfully, along with each of his beloved grandchildren. Those final months became a beautiful reflection of the life he had built. The same love, devotion, and selflessness he had given so freely throughout his life were returned to him tenfold.

There is a saying that "The measure of a man's life is not in what he accumulated, but in how many lives he touched." By that measure, Vincenzo lived an extraordinary life.

He never sought recognition or praise. Instead, he quietly built a legacy through hard work, humility, generosity, and unconditional love. He taught his family that character mattered more than wealth, that honesty mattered more than success, and that family should always come first.

He was tough when toughness was needed, gentle when kindness was called for, generous without expecting anything in return, and respected by everyone fortunate enough to know him. His hands built supermarkets, homes, and countless projects throughout his career, but his greatest masterpiece was the family he loved so completely.

Although our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that he is at peace and reunited with those who have gone before him. We know he is looking down upon us, watching over his family, protecting us as he always did.

Dad, you spent your life building homes, businesses, and communities, but your greatest accomplishment was building a family rooted in love, faith, hard work, and respect. Your lessons will live on through your children, your grandchildren, and everyone blessed enough to have known you.

You taught us how to work, how to love, how to sacrifice, and how to live with dignity. We promise to honor your legacy by living the values you instilled in us every day.

You will be forever loved.

You will be forever remembered.

You will be forever missed.

Until we meet again, Dad.

Family and friends are invited to Pleasant Manor Funeral Home, Inc. 575 Columbus Avenue - Thornwood, New York 10594 on Monday, August 3, 2026 from 4:00 - 8:00 PM for visitation.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Vincent at Holy Rosary Church in Hawthorne on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 10:00 AM.  Vincenzo will be laid to rest in his family plot following the funeral mass at The Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla. 

.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Vincenzo Poggioreale, please visit our floral store.