Vincent J. DeCicco

Lake Katrine - Vincent J. "VinnyD 55v" DeCicco of Ulster Ave. died Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at HealthAlliance Hospital Broadway Campus. He was 33. He was born in Kingston, the son of the late Cathleen Blood DeCicco. Vinny's passion for racing, no matter what the speed under his feet, fueled his desire to live. Vinny not only "battled in the bullring" but for 22 of his 33 years battled for his life every day. He was humble and private about his struggle, never wanting to be treated differently - only wanting to be the same as everyone else. He pulled this off for a very long time until his illness became obvious to others and sharing some of those struggles became necessary. Vinny's unique career began at three years old, sitting upon a tractor with his great grandfather. His need for speed continued throughout his growing years from quads to odysseys to go carts, landing in a dirt modified race car. Given a choice, he always chose racing. Always willing to lend a helping hand to his competitors. It gave him pleasure and a sense of pride to work together with his racing family. His pit crew, Tom and Bud Cole, held a special place in his heart on and off the track. There were many to whom Vinny looked up to and respected within the racing community and always grateful for advice, support, and friendship. Vinny's long and extensive friendships though life ran far beyond the race track. He often spoke of each of you and each of those memories held a special place in his heart. His racing career lead him to find his beloved dog, Rowdy. Rowdy added a missing link to Vinny's daily adventures and they could always be found together. If Vinny wasn't in the drivers seat, you could be sure to find Rowdy there. Rowdy is a true example of man's best friend. Vinny's Aunt Jody is his number one fan and provided all the love and support he needed to be able to do what he loved best. She was his rock and he was hers. I love you with all my kidney. "Don't take your organs to heaven, heaven knows we need them here." Surviving are his beloved aunt, Jody Servo and her partner Scott Genthner with whom he lived ; his grandfather, John Plumstead and his wife Elaine; his cousins, Gregory and Erica McCloskey; his best friend and loyal companion, Rowdy and many other special friends and his racing family. In addition to his mother, he was predeceased by his grandmother, Linda Plumstead and his great-grandparents, Charles and Mel Blood. Entrusted to the care of Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Ave., Kingston where friends will be received on Saturday from 2 - 7 PM with a sharing service beginning at 6:00 PM. A funeral procession will form at the funeral home on Sunday at 11:00 AM and process to Wiltwyck Cemetery for a 12:00 noon committal service. Memorial contributions may be directed to the New York Bully Crew, 1457 Montauk Hwy., Patchogue, NY 11772. To leave an expression of sympathy, please visit www.KeyserCarr.com