Fort Worth, TX – Vincent “Vinnie” Botticelli won his battle with pancreatic cancer and gained eternal life Friday, September 17, 2021. Vinnie was an extraordinary warrior who fought valiantly for three and a half years defying statistics and inspiring many others battling cancer. Vinnie was born in 1959 to Joseph and Rose Botticelli in Brooklyn, New York. However, he spent his formative years in Miami, Florida, attending Southwest Miami High school. The United States Airforce brought him to Fort Worth, Texas, where he remained to work at Lockheed Martin for over 35 years. Vinnie’s greatest joy was serving his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His loves were Jesus, his wife of 22 years, Jill, his children and grandchildren, and Chicago Bears football. He was a gifted teacher, author, and leader. Vinnie’s life exemplified Romans 4:20 – “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.” The family would like to thank all those who loved and supported him in the journey, as well as The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders and Community Hospice of Texas. He is survived by his dearly loved wife Jill; son Vincent and wife Tori; daughter, Angela; daughter Talia Barker and husband Asher; grandchildren Anthony, Allison, and Layla; sisters Catherine and Joann; numerous nephews and nieces; and many friends. Please join us for a praise service in his honor Saturday, October 9, 2021, at 1:30 pm. Service will be held at First Baptist Church Willow Park, 601 Ranch House Rd, Willow Park, TX 76087. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (https://swbts.edu/support/give/) or Mission Dignity (https://www.guidestone.org/mission-dignity/get-involved).
41 Responses
Vin was a great man and person. I was stationed at Carswell A.F.B. with him from ’78 til ’81. What is remembered and will be greatly missed, is his infectious laugh. We were family, and reffered to ourselves as the Flying Bonzini Brothers. We dealt with being away from home and growing into men, with laughter. Our mutual love for the band , the “CARS”, still holds true to this day. We are having a reunion in October , in Ft. Worth ,after almost 40 years.
I was looking forward to seeing him again. His last text to me was, thanks for being great brothers, there’s going to be such a cool reunion in heaven one day. Yes there will be Vin, I’m lookin forward to it.
Your Bonzini Brother , Brian S. Kerr
Thank you for sharing that story!
Uncle Vinnie you will be missed so much, I was blessed to have you in my life and my children’s lives. I love you and miss you but I am happy you are with grandma and grandpa again.
Love you
Jill, we loved both of you and were blessed to be part of your journey! We will continue to lift you up as you walk this path. We love you.
I too served with Vinnie at Carswell AFB. He was in my sister shop so we were in the same room and had some good laughs, most every day. We used to call him “The Vin” for short. So many stores I wish I could share. I was fortunate to have seen him on a few occasions when he came to LA on business over the past 40 years. As Brian Mentioned, we were really looking forward to seeing him in October. Vinnie, Brian and I have had an ongoing, group text for about 2 years now. Wish I had saved all of them. our deepest sympathy go out to Jill and family. Vinnie was one of the good ones. And heaven has a new Angel. So mote it be.
What a servant of Jesus Vinnie was and we’re grateful to have met him 🙌🏻💕 may The LORD fill you with His Peace Jill🙏🏻💕 With Live and prayers, Pete & Judy Prescott
My deepest condolences in your time of loss and grief to your family. God Bless.
I worked with Vinnie at Lockheed. He is leaving a legacy of happiness and love for all. He will be remembered and missed dearly.
We will always remember the sweet smile and gentle spirit of Vinnie. He graciously consented to help us begin our business program, served as the chair of the program, and taught a few courses for us as well. We are thankful too for him sharing Jill with us for many years as she served in the business office and then as our head librarian. I am thankful for the ministry they shared as they encouraged others in the Lord. Vinnie will be missed!
My/Our dear brother in the Lord Vinnie passed from this world to his home with Jesus(“To be absent from this body is to be present with the Lord.”(2 Corinthians 5:8) Vinnie was a true Christian at Castleberry Baptist Church(it is not overstating it to say one of the best Christians in the church). He met with the church every time the doors were open, used his spiritual gift of teaching in the church, loved and supported his pastor/ brothers/sisters in the Lord, loved his precious wife as Christ loved the church-MOST OF ALL Vinnie was a true servant of Christ. Oh that I/We will hear the words that Vinnie did from our Lord Jesus Christ when Jesus told Vinnie, “Well done, my good and faithful servant”(Matthew 25:21). ””
When i hired into General Dynamics in 1987 into Logistics, working with tech pubs, i worked very closely with Vinnie on various projects. Over the years, we continued to bump into each other. He was the same then as he is now. Always smiling. Always professional. A great friend to everyone who met him.
Our prayers are with the entire Botticelli family during this very difficult time. I had the privilege of working with Vinnie for most of the last 3 years on a near daily basis. He was an outstanding teammate and even better friend. As many other colleagues have pointed out, Vinnie “brought it” every single day. He was VERY good at his job. And he made everyone around him better on a consistent basis throughout his 35+ year career at Lockheed. Vinnie personally helped me navigate many difficult issues, mostly related to finances. And he would help, me and everyone else, in a way that educated without condescending – which is an all-too-rare combination. He is greatly missed and his positive Christ-centered legacy will continue living on for many, many years.
My/Our dear brother in the Lord ,Vinnie, passed from this world to his home with Jesus(“To be absent from this body is to be present with the Lord.”(2 Corinthians 5:8). Vinnie was a true Christian at Castleberry Baptist Church)it is not an overstatement to say one of the best Christians in the church). He met with the church every time the doors were open, used his spiritual gift of teaching in the church, loved and supported his pastor/ brothers/sisters in the Lord, loved his precious wife as Christ loved the church-MOST OF ALL Vinnie was a true servant of Christ. Oh that I/we will hear the words that Vinnie did from our Lord Jesus Christ when Jesus told Vinnie, “Well done, good and faithful servant”(Matthew 25:21).
I worked with Vinnie through the years on various different projects at LM. I respected and admired his dedication and work ethic. I could always call him with questions and knew that he’d come through. He was a genuinely good guy and will be missed.
Vinnie will be missed and my prayers go out to Jill and family. I realize how he will be missed at work and I am sure he will leave a bigger hole at home. I knew him for the last 28 years when I hire on with GD/CSC. He was a great work mentor and friend. We shared many stories and guidance for each other. He inspired so many people at work and made hard problems seem easy. He had a big heart and always willing to help. He was one of the good ones! Prayers to the family!
My sympathies and prayers to Vinnie’s family. I worked with Vinnie at Lockheed in bldg 300 and then again in bldg 5. He was great to work with and will be missed.
Vin and I became best friends when we were about 13 and remained best friends all our lives. We have some great and crazy memories for sure. I moved from Miami to Fort Worth because Vin was there. So really he is responsible how my life turned out and the family I have as I met my wife in Tx. Even though I’ve been in Colorado for 20 years we stayed in touch ( mostly slamming the Cowboys) and got together when I was in town. I will always love Vin dearly. I miss my friend. My deepest condolences to Jill and family. He was truly a special person. Heaven got a little sweeter.
I remember him talking about a friend named Russell many times . Thank you!
A true Chicago’s Bear fan! In the mist of a thousand cowboy fans there he was strong and proud! But Vinnie was like that true to his beliefs and convictions! What a blessing to have known such and amazing guy and great man of God! The Bears will be missing one of their greatest fan’s and so will we! Many prayers for those who will miss him most!
I worked with Vinnie in tech pubs back in 1986. I always thought Vinnie was an outstanding personality. As I read Vinnie’s obituary and the faith he possessed, I understand the deep and profound character that he possessed and displayed. God bless your family. My prayers are with you. Be encouraged by God’s word:
Revelations 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
Jill & family,
I’m sorry for the weight of grief you’re now called to bear. May the faith that it is a temporary burden make it, if not easy, at least more bearable.
The divine gift in Christian grief is the ability to progress beyond the haunting thoughts of “what might have been” to embrace the sure hope of “what is yet to be.”
Dear Jill,
Although I only got to know you at the ACL Conference in Oregon, my heart is broken for you and your family’s loss at the passing of your husband. All I can say is that I promise to be praying for you during the days ahead. May God’s promises of eternal life and reunion with Christian loved ones in heaven bring hope and comfort to your heart.
It was a pleasure working with Vinnie in the IT Project Management Office and Agile PMO. He was very knowledgeable and always helpful, challenging the status quo. He was dedicated to his profession and was diligent in making positive changes. He will be missed! Rest in peace Vinnie. Way to finish the race. Enjoy the paths of gold. Your legacy lives on! Praying for peace and comfort for family and friends. Make him proud.
Prayers for Vinnie’s family during this time of loss. We lost a great friend and co-worker.
If I am not mistaken, Vinnie started his career on my father’s Tech Pubs team. My father knew quickly he would excel because Vinnie was very sharp and a great teammate.
When I started my career at Lockheed in 2009, Vinnie was the first person I reached out to. Vinnie let me know how much he enjoyed working with my father and stated if I ever needed anything, I could reach out to him. That made me feel so good to have a supportive atmosphere for me to start my career here at Lockheed.
In the past few years, I had the joy of working with Vinnie directly for IT project financials and as he performed the RTE role for Sustainment IT. I can remember being late on tasks, or doing things incorrectly – Vinnie was always pleasant and kind as he guided me back in line. He really cared for everyone one us – you could really feel it.
He will be missed!
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God
John 14:1-2
“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.”
I had the pleasure to work with Vinnie at Lockheed Martin. From my first day hired back in 1989 if you had a question on Project Management the Go to Guy” was Vinnie . I truly have enjoyed working off and on with him throughout our careers . He was a wonderful , kind, caring man who always made the time to answer any questions you had. He made so many lasting contributions they will live on and he will truly be missed .
Our prayers are with your family. Vinnie was a sweet man. It is wonderful to know he is with his Savior. We all await that grand reunion when Jesus comes to receive us all. Blessings
Jill, I am so sorry for your loss. May you feel God’s loving arms around you through the support of family and friends. Praying for you and your family.
I love you dad! I take comfort in knowing I’ll see you again.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Jill and family,
God’s grace and peace at this difficult time.
Sincerely in Christ,
Pastor Dale Solberg
Lois Link Solberg
Vinnie and I served in the Air Force together. Remembering what close buddies we were back in the Carswell AFB days. We hung out, cruised around in my car, and would get together with the AMS gang a few times a week. We went to the CARS concert and had a blast. One of the most memorable times was when we were together one night – the whole gang together at Sully’s house and we were miming back and forth…I never laughed so hard in my life – couldn’t breath. So many good times as we were still growing up and free to do whatever. He was so intelligent, funny, and a great friend. I’m sorry I hadn’t been in touch over the years. Rest in Peace my friend, my brother. My thoughts and prayers to his family. May God welcome you to his Kingdom and watch over your family.
I had the opportunity to work with Vinnie around the time we won the JSF contract. Vinnie was a person who paid close attention to details and helped you understand the finer details in complicated IT systems. He readily shared his knowledge with others; and, he made his points perfect clarity along with little dose of dry wit! You always learned something new when you worked around Vinnie. Vinnie made everyone around him feel comfortable; we knew we had the right person on the problem when Vinnie got involved. His easy-going style made working with him a pleasure; he was always eager to catch up with you even if you hadn’t spoken in years. I will miss those “teach-able moments”.
My prayers & thoughts go out to his family. Vinnie and I served together at Carswell Air Force Base. Remembering the fun times we had hanging out together, listening to music, cruising around in my car after work, and going to the weekly AMS gang get togethers. Vin was so funny, quick witted, and a close friend. I never laughed so hard in my life when all the gang got together one night at Sully’s house. Vin & I were joking around & miming back and forth, laughing so hard we couldn’t breathe. So many good times. Rest in Peace my friend, my brother. May God welcome you to his Kingdom and watch over your family.
Jill, I will always remember Vinnie as your loving and devoted husband, who often sent surprise bouquets of flowers to you at work. He was a funny and smart guy and I will miss going out with you both for food and companionship. May light perpetual shine upon him and may he rest in peace.
I would say of Vinnie that he was a sincere Christian. He loved the Lord and. His church. Whatever he did whether it was teaching a class, working in VBS, praying for and visiting the sick etc. he did it heartedly as unto the Lord.
His love and loyalty to his pastor/friend and pastor’s wife was undaunted.
Jill, Vinnie loved you so very much and was so proud of all your accomplishments. which he talked about often. I’ll miss our times together laughing and sharing our stories of ministry and of course the Chicago Bears and Cowboys.(not so much).
This verse exemplifies Vinnie’s life i Cor. 15:58 “Be ye steadfast unmoveable always abounding in the work of the Lord , knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
My deepest condolences to Jill and her family.
I’ve want to speak of Vinnie as a dad. Vinnie learning to give the children injections, helping hook up their Intravenous line to give antibiotics at home. Vinnie as an announcer in the press box during little league games, keeping the stats on each batter. Vinnie staying up late helping me wash down crock pots full of chili and cheese in the concessions stand. Vinnie as a “team dad” almost every season helping pass out snacks, planning end of year awards ceremonies. Vinnie bringing flowers to Angela after her recitals and concerts. Vinnie staying up late helping us prepare every party imaginable at the elementary school.. Vinnie renting vans to go to his business meetings so instead of flying alone, he drove so he could take the whole family. The kids had every possible thing they needed , yearbooks. Senior pictures, senior rings. Field trips, they always succeeded in getting the coveted prize in fundraisers. Vinnie always made sure they had cars and the clothes they wanted as well as the latest technology and every doctor and physical therapy appt. There were times at the last minute I would go to the hospital and he’d immediately have to take over full time dad never complaining. Reading bedtime stories every night. Thank you Vinnie for making things so easy for us.
Vinnie left such a legacy based on kindness and hard work. It was my pleasure to work with him two decades ago and yet when I would run into him in recent years, he would just smile and laugh like it was yesterday. Such a great man, but the hope he leaves for us all to reunite is his real gift.
Jill, Vincent, Angela, and Talia … I know that your souls are hurting. But I also know that you are being comforted by the Holy Spirit, family, and so many friends. Vinnie would tell you that he was not perfect (none of us are). As he grew in Christ his love for all of you grew. He was so proud of you all. It was my pleasure to call Vinnie my friend and brother in Christ. We worked together on bible studies and many projects in the church. We played softball, kickball at church picnics, and even bowled together. I will miss his awesome spirit, his love for Christ, and perhaps even his love of the Bears. Heaven is a little brighter today!
Dear Vinnie , my dear friend, co-laborer and prayer partner,
I am so thankful that you are now in the arms of Jesus forever and resting in His eternal joy and comfort.
I miss you every day ; but additionally , I am so blessed daily by contemplating upon the fact that I pastored Vinnie Botticelli, a paragon of church members and friends.
Would to God that every pastor had a Vin! Most don’t, but, thank the Lord I had you!
I will see you soon in God’s eternal morning.
P.S. I still can’t believe you had no “to -do -lists.”
Vince & I lived in the same neighborhood in Miami in 70’s. In H.S. we would drive around in “the botticelli bomber” which became a demolition derby car…nothing but smiles in his memory. Great guy to know & grow up with & our buddy Russell…rest with God old friend…Phil
I was saddened to hear of Vinnie’s passing. We lived on the same block on opposite corners. We called ourselves Little Vinnie and Big Vinnie. He always had a smile on his face and if he didn’t make you laugh nobody could. Haven’t seen or talked to him in a very long time but always thought about him. Rest In Peace Vinnie. 🙏