Orlando P. Vece

Orlando Philip Vece, 93, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of Theresa (Bossoli) Vece to whom he was married for 63 years. He was born on February 6, 1929 in New Haven, son of the late Peter Vece and Dora (Cappella) Vece. Phil was a devoted educator and student of life, always learning and curious about the world. This passion for learning extended into his long and purposeful career as a teacher and athletic coach – a tremendous part of his life he held dear. He treasured time with family and friends, and believed in people, possibilities and hard work. There was never a moment he was not pushing boundaries to learn and grow, as was his nature from a young age. From working as a ranger at Yellowstone National Park to proudly serving as an official in the U.S. Air Force to pursuing advanced degrees in education, he was always fascinated with learning and sharing that learning with others. Phil completed his education at New Haven State Teachers College (Southern Connecticut State University), earning a bachelor’s degree in education and later earning a master’s degree from the same institution. After earning an M.A. degree, he completed a Sixth-Year program in Teacher Leadership. He was a devoted educator, coach and volunteer in the Meriden public school system for more than five decades. Among a myriad of roles with the Meriden school system, Phil served as department chair for elementary physical education, director of the Meriden summer school program, head coach of girls’ softball at Maloney High School, and assistant high school football coach. Besides his loving wife Theresa, Phil is survived by a daughter, Susan Carol, her husband Richard B. Ticotsky, and grandson Matthew Charles; son Philip Charles; sister Carmel Apuzzo; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Carol and Robert Schpero; and sister-in-law Jennie Vece. He leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, and was predeceased by several sisters and brothers. Phil was a longtime communicant at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church at 2819 Whitney Avenue, Hamden. A funeral mass in his honor will be held there on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 11am. Burial services will be private and there are no calling hours. Sisk Brothers Funeral Home of Hamden is assisting the family with the arrangements. Donations in Phil’s name can be made to Project Excel (www.projectexcelmeriden.org), a nonprofit organization supported by the Meriden school system, Board of Education, and the Meriden Federation of Teachers, with the purpose of helping young people excel in academics and citizenship. To leave an online message of condolence go to www.siskbrothers.com.

Orlando P. Vece

February 6, 1929 - January 14, 2023