Vincent E. Toma

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Vincent E. Toma

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Vincent E. Toma, 91, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Feb. 15, 2015. Vincent was a remarkable man, dearly loved and greatly admired by all those he touched with his kind ways, sharp mind and selfless generosity. Vincent made an indelible impression on everyone in his life, from his family, friends and co-workers, to Newark Mayors, political dignitaries and public figures, including Muhammad Ali, who once addressed him as “My Brother.” His sense of empathy, fairness and equality were evident throughout his distinguished life of service. His hardworking, tailor father, Vincenzo, and his mother, Vincenza  (Fressola), a Pentecostal Missionary, instilled a deep respect and compassion for others in each of the Toma children. At 16, Vincent attempted to enter the United States Army, but was turned away because of his young age. His tenacity did not go unnoticed. Vincent was later selected to train with the 29th Ranger Battalion during WWII. Members of the 29th Rangers were expected to demonstrate superior physical conditioning and passionate devotion to military service. Vincent was slated to be among the first to land at Omaha Beach, but the Battalion was deactivated. He was assigned to train other troops, in light of his extensive combat training in England and Scotland. When Vincent landed on the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944, he had the foresight to pack a camera in his boot. He snapped photos of the war, which were developed by the Army and returned to him after he was injured in battle. Vincent was proud to share these mementos, along with his vivid war recollections in a taped interview conducted by the National D-Day Memorial Foundation, based in Bedford, VA. These are to be preserved and shared with future generations. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart. The greatest story of Vincent’s life, however, was his extraordinary marriage to his wife of 65 years, Angela Johanna (Puglisi). They were a dynamic couple, each with successful careers, but more importantly, a shared love of life and a natural inclination to help others. In recent years, their love and devotion served as an inspiration for many. Vincent was at Angela’s side every day without fail during her long battle with Alzheimer’s. So beautiful was their connection that when there were scant words remaining, she would still feel his presence and motion to give him a kiss. He would bend ...

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