Victor F. "VJ" Servello Jr.

Victor F. Servello, Jr. of Boston, died unexpectedly on Saturday, May 10, 2025. He was 48.

Victor was a loving son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and general overall good friend to many. He will be deeply missed and his memory will be cherished by all those who were lucky enough to have known him.

Born in Norwood, Victor, known to many as VJ, was a people-person from the start who loved helping others and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone even as a child. VJ was a talented athlete, excelling at tennis, and even bringing home a trophy from Chatham on Cape Cod, where his family summered in his youth.

VJ, who was class president in his senior year at Westwood High School, attended Northeastern University on a scholarship and graduated from UMass-Boston with a degree in entrepreneurship while working two jobs and playing in a band.

He would put that degree to good use, owning and operating the popular and successful Vello’s Restaurant in Westwood from 2001-2014. He was a natural host and loved talking to the customers, newcomers and regulars alike, making them feel at home with great food and hospitality.

Talented and creative, VJ custom-built the furniture in the Boston and Providence condominiums he owned and rented out in more recent years, ingeniously designing the interiors to make the most of each space.

Above all, he was all about his family.

He was an amazing uncle to his two nephews, Aaden and Parker Byrd. Never too busy to take an interest in whatever they were doing, he would dive into their activities with a childlike and infectious enthusiasm, so they could enjoy the experience together ­­­­— whether it be riding a razor scooter, drawing or playing Nintendo.

When VJ’s maternal grandparents were older, he stepped in to help care for them so they could stay in their home.

He called his mother, Carolyn, every single day and took a genuine interest in whatever she was doing — up to and including lovingly teasing her for whatever that might be, so they could share a good laugh.

He and his father, Victor F. Servello, Sr., bonded over sports and were the best Celtics and Patriots buddies a person could ask for, whether virtually or in person. They never failed to pick up the phone for a quick “Did you see that?” after an amazing, or terrible, play during a game, despite the fact that Victor Sr.’s television was notorious for being five seconds ahead of VJ’s — making for some comical and mutually-enjoyed spoiler alerts.

VJ loved nothing better than to make someone’s day and all agree he took far more pleasure in giving than receiving. He was warm, kind and generous, with a keen sense of humor, and would do anything for anyone, expecting nothing in return.

In a snowstorm, sure enough, he would insist on driving the hour to his parents’ home to shovel out their driveway.

He always found just the right gift and would surprise relatives with pizza or some other considerate gesture to let them know how special they were.

Over the years, he became famous for his greeting cards — where he would scratch words out and write in more personalized, sweet and funny messages. Victor’s sister, Gina, said she kept just about every one of those cards and re-reads them now to feel closer to her brother and once again be cheered by his love and humor.

VJ was sentimental and nostalgic in the best possible way. For his parents’ 50th anniversary, he gathered family photos from across many decades, took the time to paint the frames gold and placed them all around the party, a treasured keepsake and just one of many examples of VJ’s huge heart and devotion to his family.

His memory will forever serve as a source of comfort and joy to all those who knew him.

VJ is survived by his parents, Victor F. Servello Sr. and Carolyn Servello of Dedham and his sister, Gina Servello Byrd, her husband Tom Byrd and their sons Aaden and Parker Byrd of Berryville, VA, as well as many beloved uncles, aunts and cousins.

Visiting Hours will be held in the Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole Street (Rt. 1A) NORWOOD on Saturday May 17, from 9-10:30 AM, prior to the Funeral Service at 10:30. Interment will be at Highland Cemetery, Norwood.

In lieu of flowers, the Servello family kindly requests that expressions of sympathy be made in VJ's memory to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Boston at www.dbsaboston.org