- Date Of Birth: February 28, 1936
- Date Of Death: October 14, 2022
- State: Connecticut
John Barboza Vincent
“Airborne All The Way”
John Barboza Vincent 86, resident of New London, CT entered eternal life on Friday October 14, 2022, surrounded by his family.
John was born in Norwich, CT on February 28, 1936. He grew up on Laurel Hill; where Cape Verdeans and other ethic groups shared their love of family, food and music. John cherished his childhood memories and spoke fondly of those who had touched his heart; especially the Santos; who were like brothers and sister to him. His friends on Laurel Hill nicknamed him “Yicky”.
John attended Laurel Hill School until 6th grade; then attended St. Patrick School where he served as an Altar Boy and played basketball and baseball. He attended Norwich Technical School, playing basketball. He later worked at the Norwich Thermos; honorably served in the U.S.
John later joined Laborers Local 547 and worked as a Laborer and Laborer Steward. John was proud of the work he completed on the original Foxwoods Resort Casino; he snapped many photos as it was being constructed. He was also employed at Millstone Nuclear Power Plant until his retirement. John worked part-time at Sears in Waterford, after his retirement.
John was an avid sports fan; he coached American Legion Basketball and Softball and also coached the Santiago Society Basketball Team. He was a passionate fan of the UConn Huskies and would have attended the UConn vs. Amherst Basketball Game on Jan. 17, 1978, but CT experienced a major snowstorm. At 04:15 the next day, the Civic Center roof collapsed, falling 83 feet. John was also an avid New York Giants and Yankees fan.
John spent hours listening to the music of Ray Charles, James Brown and BB King. He was always humming “I’ve Got Dreams to Remember” by Otis Redding; his heart was filled with wonderful life-long memories.
Besides his wife Roberta J. (Delgado) who he married on Feb. 5, 1972, John is survived by three sons Robert L. Howard II of Hartford, CT; Eugene Simonds of Providence, RI and Rocky A. Vincent of Sanford, NC; Sister Marion Livramento of Groton; Grandchildren Michelle (Boxer Shelito) Vincent; Deanna Daniels (Steve); Andrea Hadley; Sherica Watson and Brian McAden; Kamari, Robert III and Quincy Howard; Autumn Simonds. He is also survived by his Great Grandchildren Giovanni Vincent; Mercedes Vincent; Isiah and Zoey Daniels; Jade and Julius Totten; Gabriel Denecour and Julian Ramos; Teyonna, Markee and Shakyia Watson. He also leaves Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, wonderful and life-long friends.
John was predeceased by his daughter Tania (Tammy) Robin Vincent, who lost her battle to Leukemia on Jan. 31, 2000. He was also predeceased by his parents Anibal and Louisa (Williams) Vincent and brothers Benjamin and Edward, sisters Rita Ransom, Charlotte Fernandes, Cousin Catherine Williams, and his Best Friend Roy (Boz) Barboza.
John’s Dog Rusty was his faithful and loving companion and when he passed away, it left a void in his life. John could be seen driving around New London in his Dodge Ram, with Rusty in the passenger seat.
One could witness the “Pride and Joy” John displayed as he watched his Grand Daughter, Boxer “Shelito” Vincent win bouts and attained a record of 27-2-0; winning multiple belts. A cardboard cutout of Shelito was in John’s room at Rocky Hill and Bride Brook Nursing home.
John leaves a wonderful legacy for his family as a proud American, Cape Verdean, 82nd Airborne Army Veteran and member of American Legion Post #4.
