Vincent Anthony Sabio

He was born July 11, 1933 in Paterson, New Jersey to Samuel and Nicoletta (Crocitto) Sabio. All four of his grandparents immigrated to the United States from southern Italy and he was proud of his Italian ancestry and heritage. He was raised during the Great Depression and took to heart the values of economy and living within one's means.

Aside from family, nothing was more important to Vince than a strong work ethic and service to others. After graduating high school early in 1950 he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Following his honorable discharge, he attended Rutgers University on the GI Bill. He began his career as an accountant, first working as a municipal auditor before forming his own CPA firm. He earned a second degree from Ramapo College in 1979. Vince practiced as a CPA for more than 40 years before he retired in 2019.

Vince was active politically in his community and held several political offices. He served on the local school board of education, the borough council, and as mayor of Bloomingdale. In addition to holding political office, he served as chairman of the Bloomingdale Youth Organization and was instrumental in forming a boy’s football league in 1969. Vince was a member of Shriners International and the Italian American Club.

An avid athlete, he played baseball, football, tennis, and golf. He played tennis competitively until ten years ago and was known to dominate much younger players. Vince’s 15 minutes of athletic fame occurred not as an athlete but as mayor when he presided over the marriage of Herschel Walker, a professional football player, in 1983.

Vince, or Vinnie as he was called by his poker buddies, will be remembered for his sense of humor which he retained until the day he died. He was also a storyteller, with an anecdote for every occasion. He enjoyed telling stories about his uncle, the notorious mobster, Anthony “Chicago Fat” Sabio. However, the role Vince relished the most was that of grandfather. According to him, his grandchildren were the smartest, most talented, and beautiful people in the world. He made them feel special and they loved him fiercely in return.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Kathleen (LaBrecque) Sabio, daughter Dorothy Sabio, sons Brett (Doreen) and Vincent (Lynn), stepdaughters Debbie Metzger, Denise Fernandez (Henry) and Jennifer Metzger, stepsons Jeffrey Metzger and Mark Metzger (Lisa); 11 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Anthony and his sister Dolly.

A celebration of Vince’s life will take place on Saturday, March 19 at Hodges Funeral Home in Naples at 12:30pm with a service at 1:00pm followed immediately by a luncheon reception. Internment will take place the same day in Naples Memorial Gardens for immediate family only.

Donations in memory of Vince may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hodgesfhatnaplesmg.com for the Sabio family.