Vincent J. Stagnitta's Obituary
Vincent J. Stagnitta passed away peacefully on March 4, 2024, at the age of 86, following a hard-fought courageous battle with pneumonia and kidney failure. He was born on November 19,1937 in Syracuse, NY. Vincent was predeceased by his wife of 61 years Shelby Stagnitta, parents Josephine and James Stagnitta and sister Maryanne Stagnitta. Vince is a graduate of North High-School in Syracuse NY, where he excelled in football, baseball, and basketball. He served in the United States Air Force. His life centered on three areas- family, business, and sports. In sports he had a lasting impact on a generation of athletes that resonates to this day. Vince was a founding member of East-Syracuse Eagles Pop Warner where he served for years as a coach and eventually president of the organization. His commitment did not end in East Syracuse, as he went on to impact the future of Pop Warner Football serving as the President of Pop Warner National where he was recognized for instituting policy that continues to impact the organization and youth players today. He continued to volunteer his time to the athletics community in East Syracuse, also serving as the head basketball coach for the St. Matthews 6th-8th grade team and head baseball coach for East Syracuse Babe Ruth. His greatest coaching job may have been with his daughter (Michele) girls’ softball team. While his coaching record was impressive but the experience and memories, he provided young athletes was invaluable. He made us all better on the field and left us with life lessons that go well beyond the athletic competition.
Vince was the owner of Stagnitta Insurance which he launched following his early career working at General Electric and selling insurance at night for Metropolitan Life. He always found time to volunteer despite working multiple jobs while raising his family. He was a talented craftsman remodeling homes on weekends, excelling especially in tile and flooring installation. The addition he built on the Fredrick Street house in East Syracuse was a testament to his talent and commitment to family and friends. As with most aspects of his life it was built so he and his wife (Shelby) could do what they enjoyed most, which was to entertain and spend time with their friends, family, and children’s friends. His transformational approach to business allowed him to build a thriving company of loyal customers. His innovations in the insurance industry ranged from unique group health and sports insurance programs to being instrumental in assisting Indian Nations initially with bingo parlors then helping them to transition to casinos. His focus was always on serving the customer. The legacy continues as his son Michael Stagnitta became his business partner in Stagnitta Insurance and they continued to serve their customers the Stagnitta way-like family. He has been honored and recognized in the Insurance Industry numerous times over his career for his sales and service record.
Finally, his greatest passion was family. He traveled extensively with his wife (Shelby). The true love of his life, who was by his side in all his endeavors. He followed and supported his children James, Michael, and Michele through all their journeys and especially found joy and pride in his grandchildren Michael Stagnitta and Brittany Mullens, Alexis and Matthew Stagnitta, Shelby, Megan, and Natalie Woyciesjes. His legacy will endure through the family and friends he impacted. Vince was a member of the Italian Athletic Club where he enjoyed playing cards with Bucky, Dutch and Jimmy Felicia. He is also the founder of the North High School Hall of Fame and a 54-year communicant of St Matthews Church in East Syracuse.
He is survived by three children, James (Laurie) Stagnitta, Michael (Pennie) Stagnitta and Michele (Michael) Woyciesjes; seven grandchildren, Michael (Leah) Stagnitta, Brittany (Jason) Mullens, Alexis, and Matthew Stagnitta, Shelby, Megan, and Natalie Woyciesjes; great-grandchildren, Matthew and Nora Mullens, and Weston Stagnitta; nieces and nephews, Therese (Tom) Williams, Anthony (Nancy) Cavaiola, Shelby Bates, Shannon (Lisa) Miller, and Parker Miller.
A Funeral Mass in celebration of Vinces's life will be held at 9:30 am on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at St. Matthew's Church, East Syracuse, with entombment to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum. Family and friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Friday, March 8, 2024, at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in honor of Vince Stagnitta to: The Italian American Athletic Club of Syracuse, 103 Arterial Rd, Syracuse, NY 13206, or The Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org.
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