Vincent "Vin" P. Jankowski

Vincent "Vin" Jankowski, 80, of Newington, passed away on October 24, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of fierce love and family traditions. A husband, father, and "Poppy," Vin is survived by his devoted wife and caregiver, for over 50 years, Sharon (Beecher); his children, Leigh Grande (Matt) and Vinny Jankowski Jr. (Stephanie); and his cherished grandchildren, Ryan (Heidi Lotter), Jillian (Elizabeth Heller), Tessa, and Reagan, who were his absolute pride and joy. He also leaves his brother, Steve Jankowski (Pat), sister, Maggie Corrigan (Doug), sister-in-law, Linda Beecher, brother-in-law, Jack Beecher (Barbara) and treasured cousin, Michael Henson. He leaves behind many dear friends, especially Ed McArdle. He was predeceased by his parents, Stephen Jankowski and Marion (O’Loughlin) Jankowski-Geockler.

Vin’s roots began on Killdeer Road in Hamden, CT, where his childhood was filled with bike rides, Saturday afternoon basketball at the New Haven YMCA, and fishing at Lake Whitney. He treasured memories of summers spent on family farms in Syracuse, NY.

He possessed a lifelong streak of independent spirit, famously getting ejected from the Peabody Museum during an epic game of hide-and-seek, and later transferring to Hamden High School for his senior year when the strict rules of Notre Dame no longer suited him. Vin took his basketball talents to Quinnipiac College where he played for the Braves, as #44, graduating with a degree in accounting.

Vin and Sharon began raising their children while living amongst the best of neighbors and lifelong friends at Colonial Manor Apartments in Newington, later moving on to a home in Newington.

Vin spent 43 years, from 1968-2012, with Aetna in Hartford and Middletown as a Senior Account Consultant, mentoring many coworkers over his career. He had sharp numeracy skills and excellent negotiation tactics—even if he managed it all from the undisputed messiest desk in the office. Vin was also a volunteer for many years at the New Britain Boys Club, and in his retirement, brought his warmth to the hallways of Newington High School as a hall monitor.

Vin lived for the things that brought people together. He loved vanilla milkshakes, a Sunday drive to New Haven for pizza, fall outings at CT state parks where he would assist his grandchildren in catching a fish or two, local trivia nights with a glass of Dewars, growing a wildflower garden from seed each summer, and insisting a toasted almond bar from the Good Humor truck was the only choice worth making. Vin enjoyed years of Saturday mornings at Steve’s Place with the crew. He had a weakness for playing the horses on Saturdays as well, but an absolute strength when it came to loving his family.

The family extends gratitude to Dr. Catherine Holmes, who went above and beyond to care for our father for countless years and seasons of his life.

In lieu of flowers, you might consider a donation in Vin’s memory to Sleeping Giant Park Association via the park website or mail to: SG Park Association, P.O. Box 185340, Hamden, CT 06518.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, November 5 from 3-5 p.m. at The D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield.