Vincent Joseph Cancilla, beloved by all who knew him, died just after his 80th birthday party, hosted by his wife, Earlene, which was attended by 85 of his closest friends and family. The party was held at Camillo's Cafe with all the trappings of a traditional Italian celebration. There were many toasts and voices of appreciation and love for Vince. He spoke of growing up in North East, PA, serving in the Korean War and the joy he had from his career in social work. He died in his sleep shortly before dawn on September 6, 2010, at his residence in Princeton.

Vincent was born in Erie, PA. He attended Gannon College where he majored in history. After a very short teaching career in Canada, he joined the U.S. Army and served as a medic in Korea. After the war he attended West Virginia University and was awarded a master's degree in social work (MSW). He moved to Pittsburgh where he held a variety of positions in social work. He met and married his first wife, Polly Granger and raised two sons, Dale and Charles. The family moved to Highland Park, New Jersey, where he was the Director of the Middlesex Family Service Association for seventeen years. Later, Vince joined the Brooklyn Bureau of Community Services and Selfhelp Community Services. He loved his work and derived much satisfaction from helping people.

Vince was an ardent traveler to more than 40 countries and saw most of the United States. Along with Earlene he enjoyed meeting and making friends along the way. He especially loved Italy as he was a quintessential Italian whose family of origin came from Vallelonga, Sicily.

Vince and Earlene hosted foreign students through the Princeton University International Center for over twenty-five years fostering long lasting friendships in all parts of the world.

He loved to cook while listening to his favorite classical music. He surprised Earlene and guests with fantastic dishes, often devising new creations.

Vince was a Master Gardener spending much time in his yard working on his plantings, growing flowers and just enjoying the outdoors. A true tree hugger!


Vincent will be greatly missed by his beloved wife, Earlene, his sons, Dale, whose partner is Jeffry Pennant, and Charles; his stepchildren Jon Baumunk, Denise Crystal and husband Jamie, Craig Baumunk and wife Mary Ann, Joyce Mersereau and husband Christopher; and by his 11 grandchildren whom he adored. He was also the Godfather of Russell Reese. Upon the death of his two younger brothers he became the patriarchal head of his seven nieces' and nephews' families with 12 grand nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at 1:00pm at Trinity-All Saints' Cemetery, 16 All Saints Road, Princeton, NJ. In lieu of flowers, kindly make a donation in his memory to a charity of your choice.