Vincent Civale passed away peacefully in Washington, DC, on July 24, 2016. Born in San Valentino Torio in Italy in 1939, he moved to Brooklyn at the age of 15, before relocating to Levittown, PA, and finally settling in the Trenton area where he lived for the past 59 years.
Vince lived the 'American Dream'. He left school at 12 to become a barber in southern Italy, riding around on his bicycle to visit clients in neighboring villages, and playing soccer barefoot with the other children in his spare time. In 1954, he immigrated to America with his mother, brothers, and sisters across the Atlantic to Brooklyn, NY, where he started school again. He did not know a word of English but soon acclimated to American life, thriving academically and graduating from Trenton High in 1959. After high school he served in the US army and was stationed in Germany when the Berlin wall was erected. He earned a degree from Rider College and started his own accounting practice in Mercerville, NJ, which he developed with his wife, Patricia Civale. After a long and successful career serving thousands of clients, he planned to retire in September.
Vince enjoyed playing cards, making puns, and cooking for friends and family. A generous host, he showed his love through food, jokes, and long car drives. He loved to talk about the old days in Italy and to watch the Giants and the Dodgers. Vince was at his best in tandem with Patricia, his partner in work, life, love, and bridge. Vince and Patty were competing in the Summer National Bridge Tournament in Washington, DC, the Friday before he died. We know he is resting easy as they had qualified for the next round.
Predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Maria Civale, his brother Gino, and his sister Rose, he is survived by his wife, Patricia; his aunt Giulietta, his brother Domenic, his sisters Carol, Louise, and Anna Maria; his children Joe (and Laura), Vince (and Ginny), Jim (and Emi), Nancy (and Alvey), Susan (and Mike); his grandchildren Romina, Carol, Michael, Joey, and Tory; his great-granddaughter, Millie; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Vince worked hard, gave freely, and touched many lives, who all deeply feel his loss.
Friends and family are invited to attend a viewing on Thursday July 28 7-9 p.m. at the Peppler Funeral Home, 122 Crosswicks St, Bordentown, NJ. Vince's funeral service will take place on Friday July 29, with a viewing 9-10 a.m. at Peppler Funeral Home and a 10:30 a.m. mass at St. Mary's Church in Bordentown. A luncheon will follow directly after at Mastoris. Interment at Veterans Cemetery will take place the following week privately at the family's convenience.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Vincent Civale may be made to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Please be sure to include his name on the check, and direct it to the following address:
CHOP Foundation
PO Box 781352
Philadelphia, PA 19178

You can also make a contribution online at: giving.chop.edu.