Vincent James Anselmo

In the early afternoon on Nov. 20, 2016, time stood still for a moment as Vincent James Anselmo was freed from his Earthly bonds to a glorious eternity with our Lord. At the moment of his passing, he was surrounded by all of his family.

At a very healthy 91 years young, he lived life with a common sense and a loving attitude that was infectious to all who knew him or even heard of him. He was the real deal, a straight shooting, yet sympathetic gentleman with a sharp, humorous wit.

Born Feb. 15, 1925 in Brooklyn, N.Y. to John and Francesca (Ciafolo) Anselmo, Vince was the youngest of eight children. As a toddler, his mother passed away followed by his father a few years later. As an orphan, he was raised mostly by his eldest sister, Millie, who he called “mamma” even as a teenager.

Love struck Vince early and hard in his early 20s when he met the love of his life, Jean. Three months later they married on July 24, 1946. They wasted no time and the first of seven boys was born in May 1947 and continued to 1961, including identical twins.

As a young man, he worked as a longshoreman in Brooklyn for a period of time, then had a job as a lumber truck driver in the New York City area. He had a dedicated and unwavering work ethic that was always noticed by his bosses. In fact, he was always the first to get the newest truck or accessory.

After 20 years in the lumber delivery business opportunity knocked, which enabled him to provide a better way of life for his family at a cement delivery company. He remained there until he retired at 62 years old.

He and Jean quickly decided they wanted to live closer to their children who by that time had moved to the Phoenix area.

Vince is survived by his best friend and loving, devoted wife, Jean of just over 70 years; his sons, Vincent Jr., Richard, Kenneth, John and Wayne. His two sons Robert and Dennis precede him and paved the way to our Lord with open arms. The Anselmo family tree has grown and branched out to produce nine grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Vince remained very active in his Fountain Hills community including bowling and was revered by his teammates. He also was dedicated to his daily neighborhood walks. The outpouring of love has been quite overwhelming by extended family, friends and acquaintances bringing with them the acknowledgment of a life fully well lived. He will truly be missed as deeply as he loved.

A memorial service will begin promptly at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26, at Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary, 12065 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268. Interment will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Paradise Memorial Gardens, 9300 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85260.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Please be sure to state or note that your donation is made “In Memory of Vincent Anselmo.”

Contribute by mail to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675; or by phone, 1-877-832-6997, or on the website, woundedwarriorproject.org.

Last but certainly not least, a special and heartfelt thank you to the first responders and hospital nursing staff and doctors that helped make Vince’s passage respectful and dignified.