Vincent J. Notaurangelo – Rehoboth Beach, Del. formerly of Monessen and Belle Vernon

I, Vincent J. Notaurangelo (a.k.a. Vince, Dad, Pappy, Vinnie and Vincenzo), departed the physical world on the morning of Wednesday, July 8, 2020. I was at home, surrounded by the loving support of my family, when I finally succumbed to my battle with lymphocytic leukemia. It was a valiant battle that I fought to the bitter end. I was born on Dec. 15, 1930, in Monessen. I was the first-born child of the late Gennaro and Caterina DeMarie Notorangelo. I grew up on Third Street in Monessen. My children and grandchildren loved listening to stories about me and my pals growing up there. My first sports love was baseball. I played on the First Street Ramblers team. My teammate, Ralph Stone, published a book, “Diary of a First Street Rambler.” It’s a terrific memoir of our love of baseball and cherished childhood days. Upon graduation from Monessen High School in 1949, I enlisted in the U.S. Navy. I served from 1950-1954. My children and grandchildren enjoyed my Navy stories. I was quite the character; I could write a book filled with just stories from that time alone. When World War II ended, I remember the decade that followed was the happiest of times. People were so jubilant, just happy to be alive, a time for celebration. I loved the song/dance era of the ’50s. Louise and I loved to dance. Our song was Bobby Darin’s, “Mack the Knife.” I had a great love and appreciation for music, especially jazz. I saw so many great artists in my day, including Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie and Sarah Vaughan. And of course, my all-time favorite artist was Sinatra. I amassed a wonderful collection of music, as I referred to them by “My Sounds!” My children and grandchildren will continue listening/dancing to my collection, carrying forward my passion for song and dance. Louise and I married in 1960. We eventually moved to the Lynnwood area of Belle Vernon, where we raised our three daughters. My love of sports continued. The 1970s was a wonderful time to be a Steelers fan. The Steel Curtain era was simply the best. Sunday family dinner at my sister’s, followed by Steelers football. I will be a Steeler Nation fan forever! And a shout out to Tommy Russell and gang at Russ’ Tavern for all the good times. Playing cards with my friends, sharing drinks and laughter. And of course, our bus trips to Ohio for Steelers games. I worked for Westinghouse Bettis Corporation for 30 years. Upon retirement, I moved to Rehoboth Beach, Del., to be closer to my daughters and grandchildren. Louise and I enjoyed our time at the beach boating, fishing and all things fun with the kids. I enjoyed playing card games including poker, pinochle and euchre. My favorite games were bridge and duplicate bridge, which I played at a local American Legion post. My favorite place to be was outdoors, surrounded by nature’s beauty. I loved gardening and all forms of yard work. I was a voracious reader; you never stop learning. I loved movies, daily crossword puzzles and of course my favorite dessert, ice cream. Family was the foundation of my happiness. My siblings and their families, and my daughters and grandchildren brought me the greatest joy. In addition to my parents, I was preceded in death by my infant son, Vincent J. Jr., and my siblings, Mary Novak, Anthony and Michaeline (Mickey) Selestak. I am survived by my wife of 60 years, Louise Tollari Notaurangelo; three beautiful daughters, Laura (Jim) Wolfe, Gina (Scott) Tamblyn and Christina (Ron) Ortolona; five wonderful grandchildren, Alexandra (Francis) Rivera, Scotty, Jessica, Anthony and Zachary; and nieces and nephews. My funeral was private. If you’d like, you can make a donation in my memory to the National Geographic Society at www.nationalgeographic.org or The Cousteau Society at www.cousteau.org. I leave with you my final thoughts, “Be kind and seek the good in all.”