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The Boston Herald
The movie set of historic Hanover Street, with its buzzing medley of family cafes, fancy pastry shops, and impassioned curbside chatter, lost a leading man this week.
Local artist and all-round gentleman Vincent Battaglia, one of the North End’s most popular and distinguished residents, died suddenly at 81.
His dapper figure was for years a characteristic sight in the neighborhood, where he could often be seen, dressed to the nines, puffing on his pipe, chatting with friends and warmly greeting neighbors.
Vincent’s remarkable life included decorated service in the Second World War and decades as a successful business executive, graphic designer and artist.
His pictures still hang, among many other places, in the stately halls of the Boston Stock Exchange.
He could recall, with humor, the days when Italian-Americans left the North End at their peril. And when, as a young man, he was rebuked by the local dons for bringing a black friend to a festival.
“The secret to a long and happy life,” he used to say, “is to be optimistic.”
I predict a busy week of macchiato sales on Hanover Street as the locals toast his memory.
- Brett Arends, 11/16/06
38 comments:
We have all lost a great friend, and the North End its most distinguished resident. What a terrific guy. He was always ready with a smile and a warm greeting. He lived life 100% right up until the end. I consider myself lucky to have known Vincent. We are all going to miss him.
Vincent,
We will all miss you very much. Your smile, your energy and friendship. The North End will not be the same without you.
We have enjoyed every moment with you in the coffeeshop and at home.
I will never forget the stories about your adventures of the past - your life as a kid growing up in the neighborhood, your experiences in World War II, your travels and the stories about your wife and family.
Vincent, you have been an example to all of us and we all love you very much. Rest in peace.
As he was... to the end.
I'll remember the mornings we talked about everything. I'll miss him as an icon, an exemplar of taste, style and conduct. He taught us all how to properly enjoy this world and this life. May we all do so well.
Vincent, I am thankful to have known you, sir.
A man who loved his wife, his family, his friends, his community and his country, no matter if one or the other might falter. His advice was always welcome, his warm hand always there. Strolling with him through the North End of Boston was like basking in the warmth afforded a celebrity. No one, it seemed, had a grudge against him, and they all knew his name as well as he knew theirs. He cherished the coffee shops and the people he'd encounter there as much as he did the many churches he attended over the years. Ask him on the street for the name of a good restaurant and you'd likely find an appetizer or glass of wine at that table when you sat down, compliments of Vincent. Look for his art adorning the walls of many restaurants; you'll find him there. As his son-in-law, I was privileged to call him Dad, and no one could wish for a better thing.
I had been looking forward to meeting Vincent, a friend of my husband and his friends, when I move to the US in 2007. Every report that reached my ears about him glowed with warmth. I am sad I will not have the chance to meet him now.
To our Dear Uncle Vincent,
You have always been such a fixture in our lives. You will always be with us in our memories. Your ever-present pipe, your fine sense of style, your craziness and ability to make anyone that you touched be unable to hold back a smile.
We will always remember answering the phone and hearing "..hello there" on the other end. Your unannounced visits, your jokes, your silly drawings you did for us, and leaving 3 giggling, crazy little boys for an exasperated mother to handle, but we knew there was a tiny smile there none the less, because she knew. She knew that her big brother used to be the same way with her.
And even though you have left us, you will always live in our hearts and memories. All we need do is look at one of your paintings. Your heart and soul will always be within them. And we will always see you there.
To our crazy, silly uncle Vinny,
We will forever love you, and miss you.
Your beloved nephews,
Nicholas, Stephen, and Christopher
Dear Vinny, Thank you for being such a wonderful Father-in-law-(Dad) to my sister Lilly. You and your family have warmly welcomed her and filled her life with much love. Your son Paul is a really great husband to my sister and a terrific brother-in-law too. Your sweet daughter, Chris and her husband Dave are so nice too. Also, your wife was a really nice mother-in-law-(mom) to my sister too. My husband Chris, my son Jimmy and I (Terry) are so happy and honored that we were blessed to meet you. It has been extra nice writing to you, and speaking on the phone with you. We always looked forward to getting one of your special Christmas cards with your painting on it from you each year...My son Jimmy wanted so very much to get to see you when he was in Boston, MA this past July. He would have enjoyed talking to you. He very much likes Art too. I know you wanted to see him too. It was the busy 4th of July weekend when you said you were in a parade and had a special ceremony with your friends/veterans, a time when you appreciated and honored your country. You also were going to be with your beloved family members, something you would never want to miss, each Sunday. Thank you for the beautiful Christmas painting and beautiful prints of Caffe Vittoria and Mike's Pastry that you gave to us. We will think of you whenever we see your beautiful artwork. Through your art work you have Inspired me to appreciate the outdoors, nature & have given me an interest in visiting the places you have painted. You opened my eyes to the beauty of Boston, MA. I would like to take a vacation there, and go to the places you have been too, like the ones you painted. Thank you for sharing the Gift of Art that God gave you. One day my family and I look forward to seeing you again in heaven...Be happy in heaven...We will remember you always. :) Love, Terry, Chris and Jimmy xoxoxox
Dear Uncle Vin,
I am going to miss you so much. You were like an extra grandfather to me. Before you passed away I wanted to be in the hospital with you because you were so nice and generous to me. You made me a special picture of Samson my dog.I will treasure that forever.
Thank you for being a really awesome uncle! XO
We met Vincent only a few short months ago, through his daughter Christine and son-in-law David. But knowing him just for that brief time was a privilege and a delight. His art, good will, sharp wit and graciousness made him a man whose company was quite special, quite wonderful. And he showed us a North End we hadn't known existed - its richness, history, and culture. To walk around the North End with Vin was to engage in a constant discovery. It was a privilege to spend time with this wonderful man!
I have been priveleged to have the special friendship of Paul and Lillian Battaglia for a few years now. They are likw brother and sister to me.
I would like to take this opportunity to give my sympathies to all who knew and loved Vincent.
I never got the pleasure of meeting him, which I regret. I certainly wish I had. Paul told me that he felt we would have gotten on famously.
So, I guess this is my way of saying good-bye to a friend I've never met.....
Ho appreso dal mio amico Lewis della scomparsa di Vincent e sono addolorato. Ho avuto la fortuna di conoscere Vincent alcuni anni fa nel North End, dove lui amava trattenersi con gli amici davanti al bar Paradiso e con il suo buon umore scherzava sempre con tutti anche con quelli che aveva appena conosciuto, allietando l'intera via. Vincent aveva anche una ottima vena artistica, un lavoro figurativo e realistico che ho potuto apprezzare guardando le sue opere.Un'arte sobria come la sua personalita'. Vincent me le mostrava con orgoglio ma anche con una certa umilta', in attesa di un giudizio positivo che immancabilmente arrivava. Vincent era un uomo saggio, buono, pieno di vita, una vita vissuta con dignita' anche nell'aspetto esteriore. Tutti ammiravano la sua eleganza.
Vincent ci manchera' e forse quell'angolo del North End non sara' mai piu' lo stesso. Addio Vincent !.
Dr. Pio Conti
University of Chieti, Italy
Ho visto Vincent solo per pochi minuti, nell'agosto del 2006, mentre ero in vacanza a Boston, eppure il dolore che mi provoca la sua scomparsa è davvero lancinante...
Una persona davvero speciale, dalla grande esperienza di vita e dagli occhi vivi come non ne ho mai visti!
Dolce come il più affettuoso dei padri, scherzoso ed affettuoso come il migliore degli amici che ciascuno di noi possa desiderare.
Conservo un ricordo splendido di lui. Rimpiango solo di non aver avuto la possibilità di trascorrerci più tempo insieme...
Caro Vincent, avere conosciuto te è stato come conoscere un pò di più Boston (insieme a Lewis): abbiamo trascorso poco più di un'ora a chiacchierare di tutto e di più e mi hai mostrato quanto fosse importante vivere sempre con le proprie convinzioni e con una grande dignità; non dimenticherò mai la carezza che mi hai fatto dicendo qualche parola nella 'nostra' lingua! Grazie, sarai sempre nel mio cuore!
Our paths crossed only a few times, most notably on the occasion of my friend Paul's wedding to the fabulous Lillian. But Mr. Battaglia left an indelible impression on me, as, I suspect, he did with most people. He was a true renaissance man, at ease with discussing art, literature, a good smoke, a fine wine, a good meal. His was a life well spent, and I hope that all his many friends, and the family that he cherished come through this sad time and dwell not on his passing, but oh, how well he lived.
We miss you!
Dad, I so miss you as I have never missed anyone else.
Another Christmas is here to visit us, but it will be the first of all Christmases to be where your spirit and the love you gave to my sister Christine and me will have to rise above all else. I have thought about you and "us" these many weeks since you passed from sight. I am remembering all the lessons you taught me, how to live by The Golden Rule, how to always forgive others so one could ask forgiveness in turn, how to be happy with simplicity, how to have fun, why we should just take off together and fish if we wanted, why family was the most important part of life, how to be dapper, how to love and just hold all of life so dearly whether it brought you tears or a laugh....for it could be your last moment on earth.
I am torn up inside but must also admit that all my memories of us have been flooding back to comfort me....and comfort they do. Dad, you took me to so many places and shared yourself fully with all my needs. We really were a couple of gallavanting horses who galloped everywhere. All I have to do is visit these places and I see another image of us, of you, in my mind's eye.
Now, your spirit shall take the place within my sister and me to heal us. I know that one day our tears will dry and we will reflect on these times which will lead into laughter and finally into eternity where we shall all be one together.
Merry Christmas, Dad, and I thank God who makes all things new again.
Vinnie hired me at Rust Craft Greeting Cards back in 1973. He was truely a Rennaisance Man. God must have needed an illustrator for some Great art exhibit in Heaven! Whenever I smell the scent of vanilla I'm reminded of vinnie and his delicious pipe. He loved the good life,his family,his friends , he WIll be missed. love jan
I worked at Rust Craft between 1972-76. Since I was Humor Editor, Vinnie and I worked on many ongoing and special projects together including new product development. We got along well because we were both creative, had a warped sense of humor, and big noses. I wish I had known how to reconnect with him in recent years, just to say 'hello.'
-- Stan Hurwitz
The Herald piece on Vincent's home page refers to the "movie set" of the North End. Vincent stood out in that context, so much so that filmmakers often tried to sign him for roles. One day last year, there was a long line of potential extras, etc.; I believe they were interviewing in Spagnuolo's or the empty space next door, and the casting people basically commandeered Vincent as he was trying to walk past the crowd.
Yes, Vincent, you are perfect for the role, they must have told him. Then, they described what he would be portraying -- the caricatured character, all the "comical," negative stereotypes on display.
Vincent turned them down. He told us his own father worked hard to overcome all of that, and he was not about to be involved in reviving those stereotypes.
That told us a lot about Vincent. That was just one of many things Vincent stood for and it was inspiring to have known him.
Frank Dell'Apa
When we're in the Cafe, I often see a hat and coat walk by outside, and I still look to see who is under it, my heart lifts for a second... then reality exhales, and I return to my world, knowing that for a moment Vincent was winking at me, clutching my arm, and saying "I'm still here, kid." It is as if he does this intentionally, quickening our pulses with familiar images, allowing us to relive not just the memories from the photos, but the moments of reality that we had with him... the chance meetings that could be grabbed. We had all been trained to scan the sidewalks for his form, which would always be rewarded with that smile, handshake, and meeting. Old habits are hard to break, and I'm never let down when the man under the hat turns out to be a stranger. Vincent would probably remind me that at one point, HE was a stranger under a hat... "think of all the friends you haven't met yet." I think of you always, dearest Vincent, and I'll keep scanning the sidewalks and doorways.
HAPPY SAINT VALENTINE'S DAY, DAD.
I LOVE YOU MORE WITH EACH PASSING DAY. YOU ARE WITH ME EACH MOMENT IN ALL THAT I DO....YOUR LOVE REACHES ACROSS TIME AND SPACE.
I KNOW THAT YOU AND MOM ARE IN HEAVEN WHERE LOVE REIGNS SUPREME ABOVE ALL ELSE.
Today I had a problem but when I thought of my father, as I do so many times, my difficulty was suddenly solved.
You are truly always with me for you taught me to believe in my heart and self confidence....and you continue to help me every day. Dad, your love reaches across all boundaries and I am a better man because of your sweet love.
HAPPY EASTER, DAD.
Easter was always my most cherished time of any and every year. The land is renewed as it has been for ages, hope is born again from this rebirth and we look ahead in proving ourselves worthy of this great gift called life which HE gave us. You are always with me, Dad, and my entire family and all our friends love you.
FLAG DAY 2007....
Dad,
You are a part of Old Glory for which you fought and were willing to lay down your life. My love reaches out to you always.
Your son,
Paul
MEMORIAL DAY 2007
DAD,
This day will have a truer and sweeter meaning for our family and friends who loved and knew you from here on and ever after.
May the stars that God created decorate your soul in Heaven.
We love you,
Your son,
Paul
FATHER'S DAY 2007....
My Dear Father,
YOU GAVE ME LIFE.
My loving thanks always on this first of many different Father's Days.
Your son, Paul
YOUR 82nd BIRTHDAY
Dad,
You are in a realm where time is not relevant. You are FOREVER YOUNG. We remember you with all the love our hearts can hold.
My Love & Our Family's Love
Son Paul
I thought of Vincent and I raised my glass of brandy to him. He used to have us over to his place to look at paintings and have some brandy. One cool fall day, we strolled and had pipes together. The weather today reminds me of that day. A glass with you, Vincent.
Vinny I'm still doing it. Making some headway I think.
I dont know Vincent, but, I am having the great pleasure of becoming friends with his lovely and wonderful daughter Christine.
I look forward to strolling the North End on the Vincent Battaglia Tour. Salude.....
Vinny's Mother Angie and my mother Josie were best friends. I had the honor of knowing Vincent since my swaddling days. In fact, he mentioned in his later years at Cafe Paradiso that he baby sat his little sister Elaine and me when Angie and Josie hit the pushcarts on Cross Street.
Great memories of a great guy. I fortunately purchased a few of his North End paintings and will cherish them forever.
I had the pleasure of meeting with him every time I visited the old haunts of my upbringing in and around the North End.
Vincent Battaglia was a class act who very few could mimic. But we all should try. What a guy!
Bob Comperchio
Austin, Texas
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