Vincent J. DiClemente passed away peacefully comforted by the love of his family on Thursday March 2nd at Mount Auburn Hospital. He was 87. Born and raised in Cambridge, he was the son of the late Michael and Luisa (D'Argento) DiClemente.
Vincent graduated from Cambridge Schools and served in the Army during the Korean War era. Upon his return to his beloved East Cambridge neighborhood, he went to work as a welder, married his beloved Jerri and began their family. They settled in Medford and Vincent soon embarked on a 33 year career as an international representative for the Boilermaker’s Union. His work required him to travel throughout the country. Vinnie was known as a good and fair negotiator who got the best possible benefits and conditions for the men and women he represented.
A man of strong faith, he and Jerri began and led the Friends of Francis food pantry over 32 years ago. Centered in St. Francis Parish, the program provided food, meals and assistance to those who were in need. They organized Christmas programs for kids and made sure everyone who came had food for their Thanksgiving table. It was a remarkable program which brought out the best in everyone involved. In 1998, in recognition of their service Vincent and Jerri were honored by the Medford Chamber of Commerce and the people of their community as “Citizens of the Year”. Vincent was a good and decent man who worked hard, served generously and loved his family and friends.
The beloved husband of Jerri (DeNunzio) DiClemente, Vincent was a devoted father to Vincent DiClemente and his wife Liz of Medford, Louanne Silvestro and her husband Peter of Danvers, Sabrina Salvati and her husband Gerard of Medford and Michael DiClemente and his wife Karen of Stoneham. He was a loving grandfather to Michael, James, Megan, Leigha, Arianna, Jarred, Francesca and Dante, and a loving great-grandfather to Sara, Ava, Owen, Giulia, Emilia, Gio, Sophia, Jack and Genna. He was a dear brother to Elizabeth Rossini, the late Lena Prisco, Florence Bernardinelli and Joseph DiClemente.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit with the family in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 441 Fellsway West, Medford on Tuesday, March 7th from 4 – 8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated there on Wednesday morning at 11AM. Burial will follow at St. Michael Cemetery, Roslindale. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
Please omit flowers and honor Vincent’s memory by making a contribution to St. Francis of Assisi Church, 114 High Street, Medford, 02155.