Vincent Jiacopello

It is with unbelievable sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Vincent Jeffery Jiacopello—better known as Vinnie, VDog, the Big Ragu, Vincenzo, Chinny, Big Head, and, most importantly, Dad. Vinnie passed away while enjoying life at the far-too-young age of 64.

Vinnie was a larger-than-life presence and a constant source of happiness, laughter, and entertainment at every gathering. He was deeply loved as a father, brother, fiancé, uncle, and friend. If Vinnie was in the room, you knew it—and the room was always better for it.

Vinnie grew up on Ohio Avenue in Absecon, where he famously made his sister Marie bring him subs whenever he was grounded. He attended Absecon public schools and later Holy Spirit High School, where we believe his Golden Helmet may still be sitting in a very dusty trophy case.

After high school, Vinnie matured—at least a little—and proudly served his country in the United States Navy. His love and pride for working on jets was evident every time he stepped onto the flight deck, where he found purpose in the work he dedicated himself to and took immense pride in being part of something so powerful and meaningful. Following his military service, he followed in his father’s footsteps and joined Carpenters Local 623, now Local 255. During his career, Vinnie served as a foreman and general foreman on numerous construction projects throughout Atlantic County, many of which continue to benefit the community today.

Vinnie’s greatest source of pride was his family. Together with Melanie, he raised their three children — Vincent, Nicholas, and Gina. He was a devoted and loving father who coached countless sport teams. We fondly remember the many fall football weekends spent with Vinnie coaching from the sidelines while Vincent and Nick played and Gina cheered them on. He worked hard so that he could give his family countless vacations filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable moments with friends—memories that would become some of their most cherished. His personality was enormous, but so was the love he had for his children. Each of them carries a part of him forward.

As life changed, Vinnie pursued his goal of becoming an independent general contractor. He approached this next chapter with the same work ethic, confidence, humor, and occasional creative interpretation of the rules that defined so much of his life. His endeavors enriched our communities.

Vinnie was also a beloved uncle to his many nieces and nephews, including Flavia, Lucian, Ryan, Kyle, Andrew, Anthony, Alex, and Angela — who knew they could always count on Uncle Vinnie for a laugh, a story, or some memorable advice.

In the later chapter of his life, Vinnie found great happiness with his fiancé, Lori. Together, they looked forward to every new trip and adventure and embraced the unexpected turns of life. Tragically, their journey together was cut far too short.

Vinnie was predeceased by his parents, Louis and Patricia Jiacopello, and his brother, Thomas Jiacopello.

He is survived by his three beloved children, Vincent Jiacopello, Nicholas Jiacopello and his wife Rachel, and Gina Jiacopello and her fiance Nat; Melanie, with whom he raised their children and shared many important years; his fiancé, Lori; his brother, Louis Jiacopello Jr. and his wife Cynthia; his sister, Marie Jones and her husband Tim; Lori’s children and family; and his many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

There is no eloquent way to make sense of this loss. It really sucks. It was far too soon for a man who was so vibrant, so funny, and so deeply loved. Vinnie leaves behind countless stories, an unmistakable legacy, and a family that will miss him beyond measure.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Vinnie’s life during visitation at Parsels Funeral Home, 324 New Jersey Avenue, Absecon, NJ on Tuesday, September 1st from 9am to Noon, with services at Noon. Vinnie will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery in Mays Landing, New Jersey.

In Lieu of Flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to Homes for Our Troops – hfotusa.org, Holy Spirit Football c/o Holy Spirit High School or a charity of your choice.