Vince Villanucci

Vincent A. Villanucci, 58, of Lorain, OH passed away after a long, hard fight with an illness at his home on Sunday, April 9, 2023.

Most knew him as Vince, Nuch, or Coach, but most importantly he was known as Son. 

Vince was born in Lorain, OH on May 30th, 1964 to Anthony John and Patricia Marie (Chappell) Villanucci.  In Vince’s words “The best parents on Earth, nowhere can you find more loving, devoted and supportive parents”.

He is survived by his mother, Patricia Marie Villanucci; brother, James A. Villanucci of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, and numerous loving family and friends.

Vince was preceded in death by his father, Anthony John Villanucci in 2022.

When speaking of Vince you hear the words Friend, Coach, Mentor, Teacher, Leader, Role Model, Dedicated, Loyal, Larger-than-Life.  Vince was all that and so much more.  No matter where he was, he left his mark on the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to cross his path.  Once friends, you knew undoubtedly, that you had a friend for life. His larger-than-life presence was felt on every field of competition, within every classroom, and among all the lives he impacted in his educational career.

Vince always gave credit where credit was due.  He accredited all his successes to his parents, teachers, and coaches.

Vince was a graduate of Lorain High School class of 1983 where he played football and placed 3rd in state wrestling for the 185- weight class. He was the ultimate team player, his success in football led to some of the highest awards a Lorain kid could receive, Golden Helmet and Lombardi, validating that he was the best all-around player in all of Lorain County.  He proceeded to obtain his Bachelor’s Degree from Bowling Green University in Education.  During his 4 years there, they recognized his dedication and recruited him and he led them to two conference championships and two bowl games. The success at Bowling Green led to professional football teams being interested in Vince’s defensive skills. He was in the Buffalo Bills’ training camp and then practiced in Canada with the Ottawa Roughriders. Finally, he signed and played with the Green Bay Packers. After Vince retired from his days of playing professional football, Vince held many titles in the world of powerlifting.  He then went on to work for Highland University in New Mexico as the Assistant Coach while obtaining his Master’s Degree in Sports Medicine.  In 2007, he started coaching for the Nogales High School in New Mexico becoming the Apaches Head Coach the following year for football, wrestling, and track and field, and remaining in that position until retirement.   As NHS head football coach, he had five winning seasons and went to the state playoffs five times, producing two state championships and two runner-ups including an appearance in the semifinals for the first time in school history in 2012. His success was amply rewarded as he was named “Coach of the Year” in Arizona. In 2021, Vince was inducted into the Lorain Sports Hall of Fame.

After retirement Vince returned home to Lorain. He was an avid sports fan and had a unique love for Lake Erie, boating, and fishing; on the lake is where you would find him most days.

Memorial donations may be made in Vince’s memory to Concussion Legacy Foundation, 298 E. Main Street, P.O. Box #79, Middletown, DE 19709. Online condolences may be sent using www.rsgfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements by Reidy-Scanlan-Giovannazzo Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2150 Broadway Ave., Lorain, OH. 

A Celebration of Life will be held in late August at Spitzer Marina on Lake Erie.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Vince Villanucci, please visit our floral store.