Obituary of Vincent J. Falconio

Vincent J. Falconio Vincent J. Falconio,Ret. Major U.S. Army, age 77, of Rome, was embraced in God's loving arms on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at Rome Memorial Hospital. He was born in Rome, NY on February 20, 1938, son of the late Eustachio and Agnes DiProsperoFalconio. He graduated from Rome Free Academy and the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. His military service started as an enlisted man in the Air Force in 1956 and included a two year tour of duty in Japan. Then he started an eight year tour in the National Guard. He was commissioned through the Empire State Military Academy in 1964. He returned to active military duty with the Army at Ft. Knox, KY in 1968 when he was promoted to Captain. He then served two tours in Vietnam as a commanding officer in the 7-17th Air Calvary before returning to Ft. Knox, first as a student, then as an instructor of Calvary tactics at the Army Armor School. Falconio served as Chief of Military Police at Ft. Knox and later as Chief of the Chemical Systems Laboratory Security Office near Aberdeen Proving Ground. He was promoted to Major. His final station was at Ft. Dix where he served in the military police as Provost Marshal. He retired in 1983. His military decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters awarded for heroism, the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters awarded for merit, the Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters awarded for heroism and the Purple Heart Medal. He was also awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, the Vietnam Service Badge and the Vietnam Meritorious Unit Emblem. After his retirement, he worked as a realtor in the State of New Jersey. Vinny was an extremely generous man who enjoyed helping his family, friends and anyone in need. He possessed a natural curiosity and was interested in many topics. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his brother, S. Anthony Falconio, his sister and brother-in-law, Nicoletta M. and Lawrence W. Powell, all of Rome. He was Uncle Vinny to nieces, Karen A. and Gail E. Powell, dear friend, Kay Hetherington; four great nieces, one great nephew; great-great nieces and nephews, the youngest, Angelo Vincent. He is also survived by a number of cousins and two close family friends, Marilyn D. Ouimette and Deborah L. Pinti. The family wishes to extend their thanks to the staff of Bethany Gardens, with a special note of thanks to Becky Benson and especially Cliff Obreiterfor the consistent care and compassion shown to Vinny and his family. They also wish to express their thanks to the staff of the Rome Memorial Hospital for their patience, concern and tender care, and for the pastoral care given by Sister RosaireDeMare, Sister dePaulJulianoand especially Fr. Philip A. Hearn. Friends and relatives may call at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 218 W. Court St., Rome on Sunday, November 29, 2015 from 2 to 4 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Philip A. Hearn on Monday, November 30, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter's Church. Interment will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at support.woundedwarriorproiect.org or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675, in memory of an individual, or to St. Mary/St. Peter's Church Mission of the Christ Child (food program for the needy). To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com