Vincenzo Vincent LaNovara

Vincenzo (Vince) V. LaNovara, 91, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great great grandfather, of Vacaville, California, passed away on August 28th, 2025 in Port Saint Lucie, Florida. He was surrounded by his loving family as he ended his remarkable earthly journey.

Vince was born in The Bronx, New York to Pellegrino and Grazia (née LaVoro) LaNovara on March 7th, 1934. He was the last surviving sibling (out of six) of his family. His parents emigrated in 1921 with their 2 oldest children. Vince was one of the four siblings born in the United States, a true “first generation”.

He married Carol Jean Dyson on April 20th, 1953 in the Bronx, having met her at when they were both 14 years old.

He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War, having served in the United States Air Force for 21 years. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant.

Vince earned many rewards and recognition in the Air Force, including the following:

Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal        United Nations Service Medal        Small Arms Expert Marksmanship

Korean Conflict Service Medal               National Defense Service Medal      Army Good Conduct Medals

USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon            Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon    Vietnam Service Medal

Air Force Good Conduct Medal              Air and Space Outstanding Unit       Presidential Unit Citation

Bronze Star Medal 

Air And Space Commendation Medal 

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Vince began a second career at Solano Irrigation. He earned his degree in Waste Water Management.

He was then chosen to be the first Power Plant Operator at the newly built Monticello Hydroelectric Plant at Lake Berryessa, and completed additional college work.

An early adopter of technology, Vince became fascinated with video-taping in the early 1980’s. He propagated his self-developed expertise into his own business, Great Moments Videography, and filmed countless Weddings, Parties, and other special life celebrations. He was famous for taking personal collections of photos and home movies and digitizing them, long before these services were offered commercially.

He took on an additional job at the City of Vacaville, broadcasting the City Council Meetings.

After retiring from Solano Irrigation District, he began a third career in the Biomedical Sciences at Large Scale Biology as a Laboratory technician.

Vince had an amazing propensity for all things mechanical and electrical, and was self-taught in using tools and equipment. He used this talent to become a true master of the endless Honey-Do list for Carol.

Throughout his life, Vince was a man of faith and involved in church communities. He was a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Group Leader, and attended Bible studies. After moving to Vacaville in 1984, he became very involved with the Community Presbyterian Church, where is he served as a Deacon, served communion, and was a cheerful driver helping people to church.

Other passions would capture Vince’s attention. In the late 1970’s, he became took up the jogging craze, and went on to run many races in the greater Bay Area, including Bay-to-Breakers and Hit the Road Jack.

He was an avid bowler for a time and helped his children in their bowling leagues. He also dabbled in ceramics.

Vince also became interested in biking in his 60’s, which he enjoyed until a bike crash and broken ribs ended that phase.

Vince and Carol took Ballroom Dance lessons from their lovely friend Phylis Bigelow, and he cut quite the dashing figure on the dance floor.

Vince loved and cared for animals too, and kept a wall of pictures of all the family pets.

He rescued many dogs from the Putah Creek Canal while working at Solano Irrigation District, and some even became members of his family.

Vince was a master chef in the kitchen, especially when it came to artichokes and meatballs. He was a member of the Sons of Italy Italian Club, where he prepared many meals for the members and fundraisers.

Vince was exceptionally generous, making quiet donations to important causes behind the scenes. He was never person who wanted recognition for himself, but helping his family and others in need was paramount in his life. Examples of this include volunteering at North Bay Hospital, financial gifts to his family and church, giving away numerous cars, and treating others to a meal.

Vince is survived by his beautiful wife of 72 years, Carol; Children: Dianne (Tom) Peters, Vince (Betsy) LaNovara, John (Marguerite) LaNovara, Jeanne (Ron) Bickett, Susy (Bill) Medina; and numerous Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren and Great-Great Grandchildren.

The family of Vince would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Medical Staff who treated him, and to Vitas Healthcare for their hospice tender loving care.

A Celebration of his Extraordinary Life will be held on October 18, 2025. Please contact immediate family for details.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the college scholarship program through Sons and Daughters of Italy Northern Solano Lodge #2534 in Fairfield California at:

1200 Civic Center Drive, Fairfield, CA 94533

Email president@osdia2534.org.