In Memory of Vincent C. Cognata

A.K.A. “Cuzin Vinnie”

October 31^st, 1959 ~ April 26th, 2001

 Cuzin Vinnie was a stand-up, righteous, honest and caring guy, and he was my friend. We rode motorcycles together and were club brothers.

 When he was ripped from our lives, it was way to soon.  Xavier did not only lose a father that he never met, and Michele did not only lose a best friend, lover, and soul mate, the World lost one great all around human being.

 From his younger years in Jamaica, NY to his years in East Haven, CT, it was always his mother and he against the world.  And even though they are both no longer with us, I still consider their lives a victory. Let me explain. Vinnie’s mom, a beautiful and loving woman, who instilled the values that would make Vinnie the man he turned out to be. Vinnie, well I think he touched every life he entered. He had a personality and a presence that took over a room. After he lost his mother he was always surrounded by friends but still seemed lonely. Then he met Michele and his life and spirit soared. I never saw him as happy as he was when he found out that they were going to have a baby. Then just when life seemed to good to be true for him, he was suddenly taken from us.

 All though he is missed everyday, what he brought into our lives is insurmountable. All though we can no longer see his face or hear his voice, we have the pleasure of watching his son, Xavier, grow up and look and act more and more like him each day. He also brought Michele into our lives, which we are grateful for and love very much. She is a great mother and friend.

 Cuzin Vinnie will live forever in our hearts and through his sons blue eyes. We can only hope that when he starts to talk, that it'll be with a New York accent.

Written by:  V.J.

Update:  December 2005

He does have a NY accent!!!!  Unbelievable!

Vinny's Birthday, Halloween 2005

Not sure which is scarier....