Vincent T. "Captain Trip" Morreale

Vincent T. “Captain Trip” Morreale, age 58, went home to his parents when he passed away on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center. The end of his journey came one day before his 59th birthday. Born in Utica on September 28, 1957, Vinny was the first son of the late Thomas J., Sr. and Gloria R. (Cittadino) Morreale. He was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1975. After graduation, Vinny moved to California where he resided with his cousins and met some very interesting people. In the early 1980’s he returned to Utica to be closer to his family. At one time, he was married to the former Christine Southall. Vinny worked as a food broker for an organization in Syracuse. He had unique ideas for merchandising that he implemented when he and his brother, Tom, made provisions for a traveling booth with their legendary goods to area Field Days. He also established what was not known to this area at the time, a DJ service that complemented any party or gathering. Because he was a true entrepreneur, Vinny ventured out with concepts he carried home from California to provide the Utica area with stores that were stocked with Rock ’n Roll merchandise, tie-dyes, handmade jewelry, and crystals. A bohemian at heart, Vinny was the first person in Utica to operate a “head shop” featuring these trendy, unique, memorable items that complement an alternative, informal, peaceful lifestyle. Back in the day, Vinny resembled Jerry Garcia, the famous American singer-songwriter and guitarist with the band the Grateful Dead. While in California his friends would refer to him as “Captain Trip”, a nickname which truly stuck. He was a devoted “Deadhead” who loved the Dead music and he traveled the country to see them in person perform their innovative, iconic, psychedelic music. With this in mind, he opened his first store, “Captain Trips Place” originating in Yorkville, and he expanded to Clinton with a second store called “Captain Trips II”. From 1995-2005 he and his brother operated a popular nightclub, “Rock n Roll Preserve” located at 2005 Genesee Street that showcased national, regional, and local bands that performed all genres of music. All of Cap’s ideas were inspired by his love of rock ’n roll and his natural talent as a DJ. If anything new or different came on the scene, he had his thumb on it. He was an independent businessman and a member of the Board of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce. Jimmy (family nickname) was a good-hearted, amicable person who made his life decisions based on his own beliefs, and even though they may not have agreed with the mainstream —- he clung to his convictions. He was fair-minded, sociable, and blessed with good friends. His parents taught their sons to care for one another and stay close. Vinny adored his parents and was proud to be their son, and from their lessons, both he and his brother became their “brother’s keeper”. Being Italian and blessed with a family who loved him unconditionally, his childhood came with traditions and customs that warmed his heart. He had no children, but he did have a faithful canine friend, “Max”, who was by his side, even appearing in his TV commercials. They had such a special connection, and Max was like a well-behaved son. Vinny enrolled in sterling silver jewelry crafting classes at Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute which served as a foundation for the finishing touches on some of his greatest jewelry pieces. He crafted necklaces and bracelets that had personal and poignant meanings, and he shared his talents with young people. During his spare time, he enjoyed games of chance, and in his younger years he frequented Vernon Downs and tried his luck at the “crap table” at the casinos where Lady Luck sometimes smiled down at him. Vincent was a parishioner of St. Louis Gonzaga Church. All in all, it has been a good life for Cap. He faced many medical obstacles, but he still “kept on truckin’”… Grateful Dead "Truckin'" Truckin' got my chips cashed in. Keep truckin', like the do-dah man Together, more or less in line, just keep truckin' on. Arrows of neon and flashing marquees out on Main Street. Chicago, New York, Detroit and it's all on the same street. Your typical city involved in a typical daydream Hang it up and see what tomorrow brings. Dallas, got a soft machine; Houston, too close to New Orleans; New York's got the ways and means; but just won't let you be, oh no. Most of the cast that you meet on the streets speak of true love, Most of the time they're sittin' and cryin' at home. One of these days they know they better get goin' Out of the door and down on the streets all alone. Truckin', like the do-dah man. Once told me "You've got to play your hand" Sometimes your cards ain't worth a dime, if you don't lay'em down, Sometimes the light's all shinin' on me; Other times I can barely see. Lately it occurs to me What a long, strange trip it's been. What in the world ever became of sweet Jane? She lost her sparkle, you know she isn't the same Livin' on reds, vitamin C, and cocaine, All a friend can say is "Ain't it a shame?" Truckin', up to Buffalo. Been thinkin', you got to mellow slow Takes time, you pick a place to go, and just keep truckin' on. Sittin' and starin' out of the hotel window. Got a tip they're gonna kick the door in again I'd like to get some sleep before I travel, But if you got a warrant, I guess you're gonna come in. Busted, down on Bourbon Street, Set up, like a bowlin' pin. Knocked down, it get's to wearin' thin. They just won't let you be, oh no. You're sick of hangin' around and you'd like to travel; Get tired of travelin' and you want to settle down. I guess they can't revoke your soul for tryin', Get out of the door and light out and look all around. Sometimes the light's all shinin' on me; Other times I can barely see. Lately it occurs to me What a long, strange trip it's been. Truckin', I'm a goin' home. Whoa whoa baby, back where I belong, Back home, sit down and patch my bones, and get back truckin' on. Hey now get back truckin' home. Vincent is survived by his brother Thomas J. Morreale, Jr., his best friend and confidant and Tom's love Jill Fonner; his aunt Carmella “Mell” Cittadino. He was blessed with great cousins, close friends, some from high school, and he was a generous person to many patrons and friends. The family is grateful to Dr. Dilip Kachare who gave Vinny hope and was a determined friend and physician; his brother, Thomas, who was his healthcare advocate and was mindful of the good works and concerns of the staffs of the Intensive Care Unit at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center and the St. Elizabeth Medical Center who exhausted their intense efforts to assist him. Thanks are also extended to the personnel of the Sitrin Health Care Rehabilitation Center and The Pines at Utica who were instrumental in guiding Vinny to walk again; Fr. Anthony P. LaFache who gave the boys solace and a few smiles and laughs; and Chorbishop John D. Faris for his prayers and encouragement. Cap. made it clear that when this day came, he wanted to be remembered by those who loved him by recalling their favorite memory of him, and never let it go… Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend Vincent’s Memorial Mass of Christian Burial which will commence on Tuesday at 1:00 at St. Louis Gonzaga Church celebrated by Chorbishop John D. Faris. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in lieu of flowers may make a donation to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society, 5664 Horatio St., Utica, NY 13502 or online at https://stevens-swan.org; envelopes will be available at the service. Inurnment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Vincent T. "Captain Trip" Morreale

September 28, 1957 - September 27, 2016