Vincent "Vince" James Cefalu Jr.

My name is Nicole Cefalu and we are here today to say goodbye to my father.

Vincent Cefalu Jr. had a wonderful life. He was a wonderful person who made a huge impact on so many people’s lives.

He was born on September 15, 1953 in Milwaukee. He is the third child of Vincent Sr. and Frances. They lived in Whitefish Bay and Fox Point WI.

My Dad attended MATC and graduated with his associates of art. He then went on to work for the Milwaukee Carpenters Union for forty years as a Millwright. The young apprentices would call him “Old School Vinny” because he did things by the book without shortcuts.

In 1972 my Dad met Mary Shilts. I remember my mom saying to me that she told her parents that she had met a nice Jewish boy. My Grandfather said what is his name? She said his name Vince. Her father then said, “He is not Jewish he is Italian.” My mom said, “What is that?” Oh boy did she learn what that was. There love grew and grew and on August 2, 1975 they wed. Eventually they had 4 children, Nicole, Dawn, Kristin and Kimberly.

My Dad was very involved within his community by volunteering at the ECHO INC. food pantry in Janesville, WI after retiring from the Milwaukee Carpenters Union in 2009. Every Monday he would say, “I go to work!” He said he loved working for ECHO INC. minus the occasional but pinches.

There are so many good memories about my Dad, but here are the four that I would like to share with you. 1st My father loved to blow dry and comb his daughters hair. He would line us up in a row and we would each wait patiently to get our hair done. 2nd My Dads love of mowing the lawn and tennis came together when I was little. My Dad created his own tennis court in our backyard. 3rd My first trip to honeymoon island state park, we (my Dad, Mom and I) were sitting watching the waves eating our lunch. Then all of sudden a seagull swoops down and takes my dads sandwich. My Dad said, “A seagull took my sandwich over and.” Lastly while listening to Van Morrison on Pandora I showed my Dad a picture of baby Alora Vince little feet. I said Dad, “She has finger toes.” He looked at the picture for a couple seconds and then he turned his head towards the window and passed away.”

My Dad was a remarkably artistic, caring, supportive and loving person. Who above all loved his family and friends. He was a spiritual person all his life his growth in faith increased even more as he was living in tranquil Dunedin.

Thank you Dad for being a part of all of our lives. Your will be truly missed.

Irish/ Celtic Blessing (Read by Donald Nicholson Sr at funeral)

May the road rise to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sunshine warm upon your face.

The rain fall soft upon your field and until we meet again

May Gold hold you in the palm of his hand.

Psalm 23 (Read by Nancy Nicholson at funeral)

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads me besides the still waters.

He restores my soul.

He leads me in the path of righteousness

For his name's sake.

Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death;

I will fear no evil for you are with me;

Your rod and your staff comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

* * * * * * * * * *

Vincent J. Cefalu Jr., 66, formerly of Janesville, WI, gained his angel wings on March 11, 2020 in Dunedin, FL.

Visitation will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday March 21, 2020 at First United Methodist Church of Dunedin (Friendship Hall), 421 Main Street, Dunedin, FL 34698.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday March 21, 2020 at Dunedin, FL with the Pastor Jason Knott of First United Methodist Church, officiating.

Vince was born in Milwaukee, WI to Frances and Vincent Cefalu Sr. on 9/15/53. He graduated from Nicolet High School in 1972 and M.A.T.C. in 1974. He married his high school sweetheart Mary Shilts on 08/02/75 in River Hills, WI. He worked for the Millwright for Milwaukee Carpenters Union for 40 years. He was a passionate WI sports fan was involved in the Blackhawk Curling Club, and a Member of the First United Methodist Church.

Vince is survived by Wife: Mary Cefalu, Children: Nicole Cefalu, Dawn (James) Cefalu-Clausen, Kristin (David) Faust, Kimberly (David) Cefalu-Stahl; Siblings: Steven (Nancy) Cefalu and Andrea (David) Brunner, Grandchildren: Natalie (Simion) Kayiwa, Peerce Clausen, Kaitlynne Faust, Kaycee Clausen; Great-grandchild; Alora Vince Kayiwa; In-laws: Guy Shilts, Nancy (Donald) Nicholson, Nora Shilts in addition to numerous loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Vince is preceded in death by Vincent Cefalu Sr. (Father), Frances Cefalu (Mother), Christine Cefalu (Sister), Beverly Shilts (sister-in-law) and Douglas Shilts (Brother-in-law).

In lieu of flowers donations can be given to: First United Methodist Church, Dunedin, FL (https://giving.ncsservices.org/App/Giving/dunedinfumc) or St. Jude Children's Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/donate)

The Cefalu family (Mary) wishes to extend sincere thanks to our Honeymoon Island family and friends, along with numerous WI family and friends who have been so supportive.

The meaning of life is to find your gift but the purpose of life is to give it away.

"William Shakespeare"