Vincent Eugene "Vinny" Irizarry

UTICA - Vincent Eugene “Vinny” Irizarry, age 21, passed away on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at Upstate Medical University Hospital with his loving family by his side, as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. Born in New Harford, NY on July 28, 1997, Vincent was the son of Juan and Sheila (Siringo) Irizarry. He attended Sacred Heart Elementary School and T.R. Proctor High School where he was a member of the ROTC. Vinny was employed by the City of Utica Summer Program where he served as a mentor to young children and a Big Brother to many. He cared about young people and they looked up to him for his goodness and guidance. A compassionate and loving young man, he also worked in Health Care tending to the needs of those he looked over. Vinny was a unique soul, and he had a smile that lit up a room. Although he was not materialistic, he wanted to look good, and as a person, he was priceless. He could make anyone laugh heartily with his hilarious actions and sense of humor. His enthusiasm for every endeavor was amazing. Vinny had a heart of gold, and he made friends easily. He was compassionate, unbiased, open-minded, and non-judgmental, virtues he inherited from his mom. Vinny’s empathy and sensitivity was seen in a recent random act of kindness when he found a stray kitten trapped in a window well. He took the kitten in, bathed him, toted him around on his person, and now he is a gift to his family to cherish. He also found the sibling of the litter and found a home for it as well. He had a love for animals and he also had a dog “Durt” who was his companion and shadow everywhere he went. Vinny loved a good meal, a visit to the Casino, and fishing expeditions with his brother and friends, a sport he learned from his dad. He enjoyed playing sports and he was a formidable opponent, especially at basketball. When it came to the pros, he followed the Miami Heat. Vinny was a gift from God, a special young man who had laughter in his heart and love in his soul. He was a son who loved his mom, yet he could get on her last nerve. They were best friends! His sister Nera could drive him crazy, and he let her know why. Even though they had similar personalities and were very much alike, his soft heart always made him defend her. As they grew up together, Nera knew him as a good little brother. Vinny was beloved by his brother Juan, and they did so much together, if not in person, then on the phone. His greatest blessing was the relationship with his mom, who kept him in tow from time to time. When he tested her, he would always respond with “Woman, don’t you know I love you?” …and that was the end of that. He was a son who could do no wrong. Vinny is survived by his mom Sheila and his dad Juan; and his siblings and their loves, Venera “Nera” Irizarry, Jennifer Fresina, Anthony Fresina, Juan Irizarry Jr. and Gina, and Paul and Roxanne Irizarry. He will remain in the hearts of his nephews and nieces especially Catherine Robertaccio; aunts and uncles, Mary Margaret and Bob Friedlander, Navidad “Nadi” Irizarry; and numerous Irizarry aunts and uncles, including Mina and Amanda, and Carla and Pierre Rochon; and cousins, especially Melissa Irizarry with whom he shared a special relationship. Vinny knew the blessing of family friends, Maia Pion, and Adriana Lorento; best friends, Nicholas Jennings, Vinny Gonzalez, and Brandon Butler; and close friends, Joe Pike who he admired, and members of the Romano family. He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Eugene and Loretta A. (DeCarr) Siringo; paternal grandparents, Pablo and Venera Irizarry; nephew, Baby Valentino Irizarry; and uncles, Vincent A. Siringo, and John Siringo. The family is grateful to Medevac Helicopter associates, Angie and Justin, who offered medical advice and comprehensive understanding of Vinny’s condition, they remained with his family through this difficult time. the entire staff of Upstate Medical University Hospital Surgical 8E Unit, especially Tracy who stayed with the family and their son until the very end. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc, 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Vincent's funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Memorial contributions in Vinny’s honor may be made to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society online at https://stevens-swan.org; or MVHS Pediatrics at St. Luke’s Campus online at https://mvhealthsystems.org; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Committal services will be held at Christ Our Savior Chapel in Calvary Cemetery.

Vincent Eugene "Vinny" Irizarry

July 28, 1997 - December 6, 2018