Vincent J. Pantuso

Vincent Joseph Pantuso

August 13, 1940 – April 22, 2012

Vince Pantuso had stories for every occasion and a hearty laugh to go along with them. His stories reflected his rich experiences as a young boy growing up with the “Highlawn gang” of St. Albans, West Virginia—a gang known as much for their childhood antics as for the promise they held.

Along the way, his stories were shaped by his education—both inside and outside the classroom—at St. Albans High School and then West Virginia University. Beta Theta Pi fraternity brothers populated many stories Vince would later tell, stories that grew in scale with each passing year, much like trout he caught in streams around the country.

Following college, a grand albeit ill-conceived plan to become a bullfighter in Spain took Vince only as far as Ocean City, NJ where plans changed when he met Carol Barber, who would later become his wife and the mother of his 3 daughters. A rewarding career in the food service industry provided fodder for his stories, as well as lifelong friendships. His second wife, Nancy Chellman, enriched his life and the lives of his daughters.

Vince’s stories embodied his love of fishing, food, friends, and family, all of which shaped his life. Vince’s own life story started in 1940 when he was born to Josephine (nee Ginestra) and Fortunato Pantuso, and later treasured by stepfather Lige (Frank) Messer. Surrounded by his daughters, Vince’s story came to a peaceful end on April 22, 2012. His tale lives on in his daughters, Lisa Reid (and husband, Steve), Barbara Pantuso (and husband, David Noles), and Tina Soares, as well as his brother, John, and 3 nephews, Michael, Chris, and John Pantuso, and their families. Cherished grandchildren Kendall, Anna, and Eric Reid, and Jack and Lia Soares, too, carry their Papa’s story in their hearts.

Services will be held on Sat, 4/28 at 2 pm at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734.