Vincent C. Grieco

Mr. Vincent C. Grieco, age 79, of Lee Center/Rome passed away on Friday August 12, 2022, with his beloved wife and son by his side.

He was born in Rome, NY on March 4, 1943, a son of the late Frank and Marie Louise Graziano Grieco and was a graduate of RFA High School where he excelled in Varsity Football. Vincent also graduated from the University of Buffalo and the University of Florida in Gainsville, FL. where he received his Masters Degree, in Science. On December 27, 1969, he was married to Diane M. Roefaro in St. Anthony of Padua Church, Utica, a blessed union of 52 years.

Vinnie devoted his life to education and after college began his work career with the Rome City School District. He began as a science teacher, continuing on as principal of several schools in the district, and retired after 35 years as Principal of Stokes Elementary School. Upon retirement he became an Adjunct Professor at Utica College of Syracuse University for 10 years.

 Vinnie loved sports and was an avid golfer, hunter and fly fisherman, where he would make fly ties in his leisure time. He especially enjoyed his times spent at Racquette Lake. He also taught the NYS Certified hunter safety course for years. He loved his garden, his dogs, his knowledge of weather monitoring and was an all around, “Mr. fix-it”. Above all he loved being an educator and was his happiest when with the kids of all ages. He also was a competitive poker player and reveled in a good game. As anyone who knows Vinnie, he was the most loving, kind and humble person, who loved all walks of life. He was an extremely devoted husband, father, brother and uncle. His memory will forever live in their hearts.

Surviving are his beloved wife Diane, his beloved son and daughter-in-law Christopher and Lori Grieco; his in-laws Liliane Grieco of Marcy, and David and Cynthia Roefaro of Utica; his nieces and nephews, Anthony and Robyn Grieco, James and Bridget Grieco, Mario and Christina Roefaro and Franca Roefaro and Anthony DeMichele, his uncle Frank Roefaro and aunt Carol Roefaro; his great nieces and great nephews and several cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his cherished son Michael J. Grieco in 1991 and his dear brother and best friend Anthony F. Grieco in 2020; his father-in-law and mother-in-law Mario and Elvera “Chickie” Roefaro, brother-in-law Martin Roefaro and sister-in-law Judith Ann Roefaro.  

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday at 11:00 am in St. John the Baptist Church, Rome, NY, with the Rev. Paul Angelicchio officiating. Private interment will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Rome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, in memory of Vinnie. Envelopes will be available at church. The family extends a special Thank You to the entire 3rd floor nursing staff at Rome Health, Extended Care, especially Tammy, Pauline and Piper, and also to all the CNA staff for their exceptional care and compassion given to Vinnie over the past two years.  

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