It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Vincent S. Sargese, aged 91, of Roseland, NJ.

Vincent was born on October 6, 1933 in Montclair, NJ, son of Pasquale Sargese and Mary Toglia. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Jeane Harrison on September 20, 1953 in East Orange, NJ. He was the father of twins, Cynthia Lenhoff and Jeanne Steinberg and sons, Steven Sargese and Jeffery Sargese. He was a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve and the Roseland, NJ Auxiliary Police Department. A skilled mechanic, Vincent owned and operated Orange Washing Machine Company.

Vincent was a kind man with an incredible sense of humor. His selfless, loving spirit supported family and friends who remember his "heart of gold." His care for "all the little creatures" extended that love to cats, dogs, flying squirrels, and other friends in need. There were always beloved pets who lived inside and outside his home in Roseland. Several dogs, cats, birds, fish, turtles are only some of the members of his animal crew. Vincent loved to feed people and any and all living things. He was an intuitive cook, creating recipes for his famous garlic bread named "Man Bread", fabulous garlic stuffed artichokes, and the family favorite, Pizza Gaine. He was such a nurturing man.

He had many hobbies, including owning, building and racing a stock car (#350). He took lessons for piloting gliders and owned and operated an outboard boat named "Headache". Vincent's good humor benefited him as a coach for Little League Baseball and Junior Football teams, and the magic lessons he took provided entertainment to generations of children when he pulled quarters out of ears and made objects disappear. He was a talented storyteller which reflected his love of magical realms and comic tales. He aspired to be a writer and succeeded by authoring a few children's stories and rhymes.

Mostly, he loved his family. Fiercely loyal and protective to the last, he never could say "goodbye"-- just "see you later, be careful and give me three rings when you get home".

He is survived by his sisters Carmella (Zoppy) and Rosemarie, daughters Cynthia Lenhoff and Jeanne Steinberg, sons Steven Sargese and Jeffery Sargese, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Private memorial for family members.

Donations to Raven Ridge Wildlife Center, ravenridgewildlifecenter.org or START Save the Animals Rescue Team startpets.net