John Barboza Vincent

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”.  His trademark was the many hats he wore; 82ndAirborne Division; New York Yankees, Giants and UConn.

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. Army for 6 years, 82nd Airborne Division known as "America's Guard of Honor."; returned home and worked for Tobey Construction in Montville doing asphalt work.  

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 a member of the American Legion Post #4 for 64 years, where he served as Sergeant of Arms; Famed 82nd Airborne Division; lifetime member of the Cape Verdean Santiago Society Inc.; former bus driver for the American Legion Fletcher Raiders Drum Corp; former member of the American Legion Color Guard where he marched proudly with his brother Benjamin.

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. John also loved the outdoors, spending hours at Ocean Beach Park and Pier in New London.

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.  Although Alzheimer Disease robbed him of the present; the memories of his service to his Country and Post #4 prevailed.

Calling hours will be Wednesday October 19, 2022 from 5 to 7 PM at the Cummings-Gagne Funeral Home 82 Cliff St. Norwich.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday October 20, 2022 at 9 AM at the Cathedral of St. Patrick’s 213 Broadway, Norwich with burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.   

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory; Ocean Beach was one of the places which John loved; therefore, his family will be purchasing a bench on the boardwalk, with a commemorative plaque engraved in his memory.

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