Vincent S Przybylinski

Vincent S. Przybylinski, age 86, of Fairfield, NJ, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2024 with family by his side.

Born on February 9, 1938 in Montclair, NJ, Vincent grew up in Bloomfield.  In 1956, he graduated from Bloomfield High School, where he was a standout baseball player.  Upon graduation, Vincent proudly served in the U.S. Army, where he spent time overseas and achieved the rank of Second Lieutenant.  After his honorable discharge, Vincent began work for Western Electric, which later became AT&T Technologies and Lucent Technologies; he also attended Upsala College and Fairleigh Dickinson University part time.  Vincent was most proud of his role as a section chief, and his hard work and dedication to the company spanned 38 years.  Upon retirement from Lucent, Vincent worked an additional 23 years for the Fairfield Public Library and the Township of Fairfield, where he was absolutely loved by his colleagues.

 A committed Fairfield resident of 59 years, Vincent coached youth football and baseball.  In 1966, while he watched the building of his home, his conversation with the local milkman led to the start of the Fairfield Falcons youth football program.  For 16 years, Vincent coached the Falcons and, for 31 years, served the West Essex Junior Football League, most notably as the league's longtime commissioner.  In 2009, the Essex County Chapter of The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame formally recognized Vincent for his immeasurable contributions to amateur athletics.

Through his tireless work and volunteerism, Vincent touched the lives of countless colleagues, community members, and children.  An avid sports fan, Vincent loved Mickey Mantle, the New York Yankees, the New York Football Giants, and Notre Dame.  A longtime parishioner of St. Thomas More Church, he also loved his family, music, diners, and attending family events, especially those for his grandchildren; he treasured his role as Grandpa Vin.  Vincent will be fondly remembered for his compassion, generosity, strong and sometimes funny opinions, and beautiful handwritten letters.  His loss will be deeply felt by everyone who knew and loved him.

 Vincent was the devoted son of the late Vincent F. and Eleanor (nee Dopart) Przybylinski; loving husband of Joanne (nee Bush) for over 62 years; dedicated father of Vincent Jr. and his wife Cathie and Joseph and his wife Stacy; cherished grandfather of Brooke, Grace, Joseph Jr., Alexis, and Brielle; and dear brother of the late Ann Marie Messina.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart. 

Friends and relatives are invited to attend the visitation for Vincent at the Ippolito-Stellato Funeral Home, 7 Two Bridges Rd., Fairfield on Thursday, February 22 from 4-8 PM.  A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas More Church, 12 Hollywood Ave., Fairfield on Friday, February 23 at 10 AM.  Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Chapel Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Grand Central Station PO Box 4777, New York, NY 10163.