Vincent Amodeo

Vincent Amodeo of West Hartford, 86, passed away peacefully on Tuesday October 24, 2006. He was the son of the late Michele and Maria Abbagnato Amodeo and was born in Verzino, Italy. He spent his youth in Norwich, then enrolled in the U.S. Navy. He served active duty in World War II and the Korean War as a Chief Pharmacy Mate. Vincent then served as a Naval Recruiter during his peacetime service. After retirement with 20 years in the Navy, he started a career in Human Services with the State of Connecticut. He served as Hartford District Director of the State Department of Social Services and Hartford District Director of the Department of Children and Families. While employed by the State, he earned his Bachelor's Degree at the University of Hartford. Vincent graduated first in his class of 643 students, Summa Cum Laude, achieving the highest grade point average ever recorded for the evening school. He then received a full scholarship to the University of Connecticut School of Social Work where he earned his Master's Degree. After retiring from the State of Connecticut, Vincent went on to earn his Nursing Home Administrator's license and taught at St. Joseph College in the Human Development and Gerontology Departments. He also served as Field Supervisor for undergraduate and graduate students at Southern Connecticut State University, St Joseph College, Eastern Connecticut State University, and UCONN School of Social Work. In 2000, Vincent retired from employment but continued charitable and volunteer work with Meals-on-Wheels, Connecticut Community Care Inc., University of Hartford, Mercyknoll, and UNICO. Throughout his life he was a passionate supporter of education and mentored many students. Vincent enjoyed his Italian heritage, cooking ethnic meals and collecting and appreciating fine wine. He was quite proud of his military service and attended Navy ship reunions throughout his life. He received the Connecticut National Association of Social Workers Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001 and the Connecticut Community Care Incorporated Successful Aging Award also in 2001. To mourn his passing he leaves "the love of his life" Frances Zukoski Amodeo, his wife of 59 years. He also leaves a daughter Mary Briggs and her husband Richard, and a daughter Gloria Kozlowski and her husband John. He was especially proud of his two grandchildren Adam and Allen Briggs. He was predeceased by his parents, two brothers: Peter and Frank Amodeo and two sisters: Sarah Damiano and Mary Castro. He was loved for his generosity and compassion. Vincent inspired many with the selfless way he lived his life. Calling hours are Friday, October 27 at 3-5 p.m. and from 7-9 p.m. at the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. His funeral will be held on Saturday, October 28, at 12 Noon, from the Molloy Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 p.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 872 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. The family suggest memorial donations be made to a charity of your choice.