In memory of my good friend, Vince Las Casas, south Rockford-bred, esteemed national intelligence analyst, author and enthusiastic scribe and celebrant of the Italian history of Rockford.

Vince sought me out once when he was visiting Rockford because he had apparently learned that I was active in preserving the rich history of Italian Americans in Rockford.  He asked me to help him with his book on the Italian immigration to Rockford "Non Dimenticare: Italian Immigration to Rockford, 1878-1998" which the Greater Rockford Italian American Association (GRIAA) sold.  

We became fast friends and he always called me when he came to Rockford and my husband David and I would meet with him.  We 
visited him and Joan in Maryland.  We spoke of his intention to write a book on south Rockford "Jingling Pockets" and wanted me to try to get funding for its publication.  Ours was a mutual admiration, but he certainly deserved much more acclaim than I would ever deserve or receive.  In my opinion, Vince's greatest gift to Rockford was his direct involvement (gratis) in the creation of the Italian history exhibit at Midway Village and Museum.   
The museum had received  a large grant for its proposed "Many Faces, One Community" exhibit and they were looking for information from area families on Rockford's immigration history.
A committee was formed, of which some members (myself included) of GRIAA were actively involved in helping plan what became the Museum's largest exhibit- one big enough to warrant a whole building to be built to house it there. (continued)

Vince complained to me that he had visited the Museum and learned that there initially had been no thought (as yet) of an exhibit on the Italians in Rockford.  In fact, he said to me, "you would think that there wasn't even a single Italian in that town" when the exhibit was in its development stages.  A bit outraged and strongly motivated, he helped to establish a permanent Italian kitchen exhibit in the new building's exhibit.  We collaborated a great deal on its plans. It might never have happened but for Vince Las Casas.  Since he lived his adult life in Maryland, working for the federal government in a high-security position, some people out east (and even here) don't know that his remarkable humble beginnings story began on Winnebago Street, across from Tinker Swiss Cottage.  And many people out east don't know just how pivotal he was to the preservation of the Italian immigrants' contribution to Rockford and America.  Or how much he means to those of us in Rockford with Italian roots.  Thank you Vince for your gift to Rockford and the Italian American people.  You were one of a kind and I am so grateful that you chose me as your friend.  RIP paisano.  Job well done on every level.

Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.” Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.  May you find some peace and comfort in the many fond memories you made over the years. 

Uncle Vince was an honorable, kind, and loving man; just to name a few of his many attributes.  He will be missed by those of us who were fortunate enough to be a part of his life, albeit small or large. I am blessed and proud to have been able to call him my Uncle, and although he will be missed here on earth, I take comfort in knowing he is now with his heavenly family, including his brothers (my dad) and sister.  Until we meet again Uncle Vince...I will hold you in my heart. 🙏❤️

Aunt Joan, Diane, Rich, Vince, Rob and family.  My heartfelt condolences goes out to each and everyone of you. Uncle Vince was an amazing man who lived a full and adventurous life. He will be greatly missed. 


To The LasCasas Family........
I am so glad that I had the privilege of knowing such a caring, kind, thoughtful and loving person as Vince.
He will be greatly missed but fondly remembered  by me always.    ❤ ❤



OBITUARIO

Vincent Anthony Las Casas Sr.

1 julio, 1931 – 9 febrero, 2022

Witzke Funeral Homes Inc.

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