Vincent Lee Rose

Vincent Lee Rose, 80, of Falls Church, Virginia, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2025. He was admitted to the hospital for a biopsy of his lung due to suspected masses and fluid buildup. While recovering from surgery, Vincent developed an infection that led to septic shock and pneumonia. Despite fighting courageously for 17 days, his body could no longer sustain the battle. He faced lung cancer, heart disease, and suspected dementia with immense strength, and in his final moments, he was surrounded by loved ones and received his last rites from a Catholic Chaplain before finding eternal rest.

Born in Tampa, Florida, on February 27, 1945, Vincent moved to Falls Church as a child and built a life full of love, hard work, and dedication to family and friends. He worked as a sheet metal worker at Condon-Reed for nearly five decades, earning a reputation for his strong work ethic and commitment to his craft.

In 1979, Vincent met the love of his life, Shirley, and they married in 2000. Their life together was filled with love, companionship, and cherished traditions. A devoted Washington Redskins and Nationals fan, Vincent rarely missed a game. Evenings were spent watching Gunsmoke reruns before tuning in to Wheel of Fortune at 7 PM—simple routines that became treasured moments with Shirley by his side. He also enjoyed family beach trips, finding joy in the ocean’s breeze and the company of those he loved most.

Vincent will be remembered for his strength, loyalty, and kind heart. A hell-raiser, protector, and provider, he lived life on his own terms—often saying, “I did it my way.” Stubborn yet loving, structured yet warm, he was a man of deep conviction and steadfast values. Friday nights were for good beer and even better company, where his laughter and stories filled the room.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Louise Rose; his brothers, Robert “Larry” Powell (who is survived by his wife, Mary Powell), Donald “Donny” Powell (who is survived by his wife, Betty Powell), and Ronald Rose.

Vincent is survived by his devoted wife, Shirley; his brothers, Patrick (Darlin) Rose and Michael (Bonnie) Rose; his sister, Mary “Marguerite” Hedgepath; and his loving children, Sadie (Billy) Morrell, Robby (Kim) Kinsey, and Dawn Kinsey, who preceded him in death. Following Dawn’s passing in 2000, Vincent and Shirley became the legal guardians of Dawn’s daughters, Danielle Kinsey and Ashley McEvily, whom he loved dearly. He is also survived by extended family, including siblings, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and countless friends from many decades who were touched by his presence.

Vincent will be cremated and laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery in Falls Church, Virginia, surrounded by his immediate family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 30, 2025, starting at 12 PM on at American Legion Post 130 (400 N Oak St, Falls Church, VA 22046). Family and friends are invited to bring a potluck dish and share their favorite memories of Vince.

The family kindly requests, though it is not necessary, that guests bring a photo memory (including names and the estimated year) to be included in a memory book, which will be shared online. Photos and memories can also be sent to [email protected] or texted to 703-677-2128.

Vincent’s smile and presence brought joy to everyone he met. His legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering strength will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Rest easy, Vince. You did it your way.