Vincent Vinnie James James Melillo

Vincent James "Vinnie James" Melillo, 74, beloved husband of Althea (Lathrop) Melillo, passed away at Yale New Haven Hospital on Thursday, October 9, 2014. Vinnie was born in Danbury, son of the late Vincent and Antoinette Melillo. He was a graduate of Henry Abbott Technical School, served in the U.S. Army, and had a career as a sales consultant.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Toni Fives and husband Chuck of New Fairfield, son James Melillo of Danbury, step-sons Kevin, Kraig and Kyle Gallagher, grandchildren Karly, MaKenzie, Jonathan, Daniel, Morgan and Joseph Vincent, three sisters Carmella Imbarrato of Garden City, NY, Aurora Wyrum and husband Lee of New Smyrna Beach, FL, and Marie Funk and husband Louis of Sherman, CT, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Dominic Melillo.

Vinnie was an avid New York Giants fan and enjoyed listening to all types of music, especially Frank Sinatra. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He enjoyed cooking big Italian dinners and welcoming everyone into his home. He made friends easily and kept them always. From his early days as a DJ on WLAD and host of "Vinnie James Bargain Express" he continued to enjoy interacting with others. He was a proud veteran and a patriot who will be remembered as a kind, generous, positive-thinking man.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, 115 Main St., Danbury, on Thursday morning, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Peter Cemetery. Friends may call at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury, on Wednesday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Bethel Volunteer Fire Department, 38 South St., Bethel CT, 06801 or the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758540, Topeka, Kansas 66675.