Vincent J. Venezia, 88, of Red Bank, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, June 12, comforted and surrounded by his loving family. Born in Berkeley Heights, he was the youngest son of the late James and Angelina Venezia. A talented athlete, he played minor league baseball with the Newark Bears before enlisting in the Army. He proudly served his country for 26 years and was a decorated combat veteran receiving two Bronze Star Medals for his service in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. While stationed in Tokyo, Japan, he met the love of his life, Sachiko. They enjoyed 54 years of marriage before her passing in 2007. Following his military career, he settled in Red Bank and owned and operated the Trade Winds Motel and Marina in Sea Bright. In 2010 he retired from the moving and transportation industry after 30 years.
Affectionately known as Grandpa Gee to many and Baba Gee to his great-grandchildren, he was truly an amazing man who loved his family more than anything and lived to see them happy. Spending time with his granddaughters was his favorite thing, whether it was breakfast at the diner, watching the Mets, or driving around doing errands, as long as he was with “the girls” he was happy. Hard working and strong with a heart of gold, he touched the lives of everyone who knew him.
He is survived by his daughter, Patty DeFabio and her husband Ed of Rumson; his granddaughters, Erica Lipani and her husband David of Bedminster, and Monica Komery and her husband Andrew of New York City; and great-grandchildren, Angelina Grace and Anthony Vincent Lipani.
Over the past few months, Vincent was lovingly cared for by Danguole Garcia, and his family will be forever grateful.
In lieu of flowers, we would like to honor Vincent’s military service. Please consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project in his memory. Donations can be made online via www.woundedwarriorproject.org or sent to PO Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675.
