Vincent Ralph Cannarsa

OBITUARY
 
Vincent Ralph Cannarsa
April 6, 1936 - December 29, 2023
 
With his devoted wife, Lina Bellenir, at his bedside, 27-year resident of Fountain Hills, Arizona, Vincent R. Cannarsa, was guided by Angels to heaven at the age of 87 on December 29, 2023. As a beloved husband, brother, uncle, father, stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Vincent touched the hearts of many.
 
Vincent was predeceased by his cherished parents; Giovanni and Rose (Tonkery) Cannarsa. He is survived by his wife, Lina (Bellenir) Cannarsa; his son, David; his wife, Pamela Cannarsa; Brother, Anthony; his sister-in-law, Sharon Cannarsa; and sister, Francis (Cannarsa) Truant. Nephews Michael Cannarsa, his wife, Taryn, and their children Sloan and Enzo, Anthony Cannarsa Jr., son Jack; Nephew John Cannarsa and his husband, Tim; Nephew Christopher Truant, his wife, Dee Dee, and their children Christopher and Ashley; Nephew Michael Truant; Nephew Randy Truant and his wife, Mary; Granddaughter Ellen, her husband, Chief Warrent Officer 3 Ryan Abbott, great-grandchildren Brendan, Madison, and Avery; stepdaughter Michele Bellenir; stepson Michael Bellenir; step-granddaughters Stephanie Bellenir and Shelby Bellenir; stepdaughter Danielle Ingram and step-grandson Jonathon Ingram.
 
Vincent was born on April 6, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, in the tiny village of Oakwood. Until annexed by Detroit in 1921, Oakwood was a village of 600 homes. Most families were Italian immigrants lured there by the Ford Motor Company's promises of earning $5 per day. Sadly, the area did not offer much for kids to do and no financial help for recreational activities from Detroit.

Three things saved this small Italian tiny tight-knit community of creative, hardworking, religious, and self-sufficient immigrants (1) their faith, (2) their passion for sports and (3) their pride and perseverance. Perseverance, took hold of a group of 17 kids between the ages of 16 and 22 by chipping in 50 cents each to buy a football and enter a team into the Detroit Municipal Zone Football League. The rest was history. That was the beginning of the Oakwood Blue Jackets Athletic Club. Their do-it-yourself attitude helped to build a massive athletic club centered around football/ baseball playing fields; and a huge bowling alley. Ultimately, the entire project worth $500,000 was funded with sweat equity and their own monetary donations. Their mission statement became: "Instead of waiting for outside help that may never come, do it yourself. Solve your own problem. You will have fun doing it." That environment produced hundreds of successful entrepreneurs, business owners, public servants and lifelong friendships that continue generationally to this day. That Club is proudly standing today, and represents the culture, environment and principles as too how Vincent was raised.
 
Vince graduated from Hunter Elementary on January 23, 1951, and graduated from Southwestern High School on June 24, 1955. During his educational journey, he excelled and lettered in Varsity Football, Basketball, Baseball, and Bowling. Simultaneously, Vince received Exceptional Merit certificates in the Woodworking division presented at the Detroit Industrial Arts exhibit held at the Detroit Historical Museum from April 26 - May 17, 1953. After high school, he entered and graduated from Henry Ford Trade School.
 
Vince enlisted in the United States Army on March 25, 1957, and was Honorably Discharged on March 24, 1959. He left military duty earning a Honorable Discharge and Good Conduct Medal along with the friendships of many incredibly brave dedicated men who would become lifelong buddies.
 
After several years of honing his carpentry skills in the booming northern suburbs of Detroit, on August 5, 1966, he began his role as a skilled carpentry tradesman for Ford Motor Company, building exquisite offices for their notable presidents and vice presidents. After achieving 30 years of service and loyalty, Vince retired on August 5, 1996.
 
Additionally, while employed at Ford Motor Company, coupled with that "Oakwood do it yourself attitude," Vince, his brother Tony, and good friend Gino opened a pizza parlor. On February 7, 1974, Giovanni's Pizza Parlor became incorporated. As the hardworking years went on, Gino and Tony left the business, and Vince successfully encouraged his mother, Rosie, to help. On March 14, 1983, the "pizza parlor" became Giovanni's Ristorante Inc. Charismatic Vince, twice voted the most eligible bachelor in the metro Detroit area; along with Mama Rosie's motherly warm manner and her savory delicious homemade cooking Giovanni's became quite the success. Celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Celine Dione, Larry King, (to name just a few) dined and listened to the hilariously funny Cannarsa family adventures while growing up. 2024 will celebrate 50 years of success.

In addition, Vincent contributed to innumerable public service and charitable organizations; always paying forward via many of acts of kindness.
 
Throughout his life, Vincent traveled to many exotic places: Italy, Spain, Morocco, Tahiti, Puerto Rico, Monti Carlo, Argentina, Curacao, the Caribbean, Canada, and Mexico to name just a few. And to nearly every state in the United States. The tall, dark handsome Italian bachelor truly was enjoying his life. However, at the age of 53 and as fate would have it all the world’s wonders and beauty he experienced was unmatched, upon a chance mothers day dinner at Giovannis Ristorante. It was there he met the love of his life Lina. Vincent and Lina were faithfully married for 34 years.
 
Retirement brought Vincent and Lina to Fountain Hills, Arizona. After a short respite, they opened a wine-making business named; Sorelli’s from the Vine. It was a huge success. The silver-haired retiree had found another passion that led to more friendships lasting to this very day.
 
There was no greater joy than the love and affection Vincent had for his faith, family and friends. Everyone who met Vincent adored him. His charm, handsome good looks, and unpretentious personality provided infinite smiles and laughs. There are so many unforgettable memories. Nephew Michael Cannarsa said it best, "He was always the one person in the room that everyone would be so excited to see/talk/and laugh with, and his enjoyment of the moment was infectious, and it would always make everyone in his presence that much better just being around him." Michael went on to say, "a person's most important legacy is how do they change the world around them and does their spirit carry forward by the impressions made during one's life." Without a touch, word or sign, Vincent did just that. He did it just being himself and while never seeking the spotlight because he was happiest by letting others shine. His spirit will continue to live on through multiple generations. His was quite a legacy of love for life and all those who were fortunate to meet him.
 
With friends and family in Arizona, the first celebration of life mass is on Friday, March 1, at 10:30 am at the Franciscan Renewal Center at 5802 East Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona. Following the mass, The Patriot Riders will escort Vince for Honors to the VA National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, at 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix. Refreshment location will be announced.
 
With friends and family in Michigan, a second celebration of life mass is on Friday, April 5, 2024, at Noon at the Marian Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes located at Seminary Drive (3535 Commerce Road), West Bloomfield Township, Michigan. Refreshment location will be announced.
 
While in Hospice of the Valley, their benevolent staff cared for Vince with immeasurable grace, dignity, and respect. To honor those hardworking individuals, the family kindly requests that a donation be considered in lieu of flowers in the name of Vincent Ralph Cannarsa. 
 
Mail Donations:

Hospice of the Valley
1510 East Flower Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85014
Attn: Fund Development In memory of Vincent R. Cannarsa

Electronic Donations can be made through their website:
www.dementiacampus.org/donate