A funeral mass was offered Nov. 30 at Our Lady of Grace R.C. Church in Hoboken for Vincent ‘Vinny’ Lombardi, 77. He passed away Nov. 24 at home from complications of metastatic lung cancer. He was a lifetime resident of Hoboken before moving to the Doric in Union City in 2001. Vincent was especially proud of his 32 years of to the citizens of Hoboken as a patrolman, detective and sergeant in the Hoboken Police Department from 1962 to 1994. During his service he received numerous citations and commendations for meritorious service, bravery and heroism. Vincent also served as Treasurer of the Hoboken P.B.A. for 17 years and was instrumental in organizing many charitable and social events for the good of the community and union membership.
He was one of the principle founders and organizers of Hoboken’s annual RagaAMuffin parade which was created by members of the police department. He was also a longstanding chairman of the Annual Police and Fire Communion Breakfast. For his civic and unwavering dedication and devotion to his fellow officers, Vincent was awarded the high honor of ‘Gold Life Membership’ in P.B.A. Local 2 of the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association. He also served as president of the Cappiello Social Club in Hoboken. In addition to serving the citizens of Hoboken, Vincent served his country in the U.S. Army and was stationed both in Main and in Kitzingen, Germany from 1956 1958. Prior to becoming a police officer, Vincent worked as a longshoreman on Hoboken’s docks and was a member of ILA Local 1198.
He graduated from A.J. Demarest High School in 1955 and played varsity football and basketball. He had earned an athletic scholarship to attend Miami University but chose a different path in life. Vincent leaves behind his wife Barbara of 52 years of faithful marriage and three sons; Hoboken Police Detective Vincent T. Lombardi, president of the Hoboken Policemen’s Benevolent Association; Captain Richard M. Lombardi Retired Hoboken Fire Dept. and his wife Elizabeth (nee: Depalma); and first born; Louis V. Lombardi his wife Sandra (nee: Wickham) and their children his and grandchildren, Marc Anthony and Aleah Jenelle. Vincent leaves behind his faithful German shepherd ‘Wolfie.’ Vincent was predeceased by his parents; Luigi and Rose (nee: Civero). He is survived by his sister; Beatrice (nee: Young) of Fort Lee, and predeceased by his sisters: Ann (nee: Staffile); Marcella (nee: Gookins); and Rose (nee DiMartino). Vincent is survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins of the Gookins, DelAquilla, Recanati, Malfett, DeCristoforo, Swift, Tomacheck, and Semple, families to name a few.
Vincent loved being a police officer and the friendship of his police colleagues. His strongest attributes was his infectious sense of humor, spirited personality and effectively unique polices skills and practices. Vincent always put family, friends and total strangers first before himself and always strived to ensure that those around him were happy and at ease. He was a humble, nonmaterialistic man with a heart as big as a house with strong and steady commitment to his family and friends. His genuine goodness and kind and soul were evident to all who had the privilege to know him. Services arranged by the Failla Memorial Home, Hoboken.