Vincent P. Speciale

Vincent P. Speciale, age 84 of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Hospital, with the love of his family in his heart.

He was born on August 30, 1939, in Utica, a son of the late Joseph and Antoinette Mercieri Speciale and was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School. In 1965, Vincent married Donna L. Giehl, a loving and blessed union of 55 years until her passing on June 8, 2020.

Vinny was the 5th generation owner/operator of the American Fireworks Mfg. Co. and Speciale Electric Co. until his retirement. Most of the fireworks throughout the Central New York area were performed by Vinny and his family, especially noting “Fireworks Over Utica” for over 60 years.

He was a member of the P.G.I. (Pyrotechnics Guild International) as well as an avid hunter and a member of the Fish & Game Club. Vinny was a loving husband, father and grandfather, whose life centered around his family. They will forever hold his memory in their hearts.

He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly VanEtten, Utica; son, Kevin Giehl, Utica; grandchildren, Tyler VanEtten and Matthew Giehl; sister and brother-in-law, Marie and Bill Hughes; brother and sister-in-law, Harry and Carol Speciale; sister-in-law, Mary Zegibe; uncle, Dominick “Doc” Speciale; aunt, Angeline DeMichele; several nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends, Mary Ann Collea, Joe Scaglione, Doc Vico and his right-hand man, Tom Stein.

Vinny was predeceased by his sister, Carmella (Don) Alder; grandson, Kevin Giehl Jr; nephews, Aaron Speciale and Robert Hughes as well as several in-laws.

Funeral services will be on Friday, September 8, 2023, at 10 AM at Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. The Speciale family will greet guests at the conclusion of Mass. Private entombment will take place in Calvary Mausoleum.

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