Ralph Vinchiarello, 92, a longtime resident of Wassaic, NY died on Thursday, April 24, 2014 at Sharon Healthcare Center in Sharon, CT. Mr. Vinchiarello owned and operated The Pines Restaurant in Wassaic, NY for 38 years.

Born on October 31, 1921 in Chatham, NY he was the son of the late Pasquale and Anna (Carillo) Vinchiarello. After graduating from Chatham High School in 1940 he moved to Cincinnati, OH where he attended school for tool and die making. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1941 and was assigned to a destroyer serving in the European Theatre of Operations for three years, being honorably discharged on November 12, 1945. On September 8, 1951 in Sharon, CT he married Florence G. Thorp who survives at home after 63 years of marriage.

Mr. Vinchiarello was a charter member of the Chestnut Ridge Rod and Gun Club, a life member of the Amenia Fish and Game, V.F.W. Post # 5444 in Dover Plains, NY and the American Legion Post #1949 in Wingdale, NY and a 55-year member of the Wassaic Fire Company. He also enjoyed harness racing. Mr. Vinchiarello served as a Dutchess County Legislator and the Town of Amenia Supervisor. He has been honored by the Amenia Lions Club and the Boy Scouts for his community work.

On January 8, 1982 Governor Hugh Carey nominated Mr. Vinchiarello to serve on the Wassaic DDSO Board of Visitors where he served as secretary. He was also active in the State Association as a delegate-at-large, Region III Chairman and Chair of the Regions.

He was an avid sportsman, and enjoyed growing impressive crops in his large garden. He gave away most of what he grew to seniors and the local food pantry. For several years he worked diligently to help rebuild the 1858 one-room school house in Amenia.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Ralph Vinchiarello and his wife, Holley, of Wingdale, NY; a daughter, Susan Vinchiarello and her companion, Rocco Sciulli of Philadelphia, PA, five grandchildren, Tarance Vinchiarello, Anthony Vinchiarello, Suzanne Calabro, Christopher Klinger and Robin Shultz. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren. Besides his parents, Mr. Vinchiarello was predeceased by four brothers, Frank, Albert, Alphonso and Anthony Vinchiarello all whom served in the military during WWII and three sisters, Rose Aquainis, Margaret Conti and Mary Pinto.

Calling hours will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2014 at the Hufcut Funeral Home, 3159 Route 22, Dover Plains, NY. The American Legion Post #1949 will conduct services at 7 p.m. The V.F.W. Post #5444 will conduct services at 7:30 p.m. The Wassaic Fire Company will conduct firematic services at 7:45 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 2, 2014 at the Immaculate Conception Church, 4 Lavelle Road, Amenia, NY with Rev. Kent Wilson officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at the Veteran’s Section of Valley View Cemetery in Dover Plains, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cardinal Hayes Home, P. O. Box CH, St. Joseph Drive, Millbrook, NY 12545 or the Immaculate Conception Church, 4 Lavelle Road, Amenia, NY 12501. For directions or to send the family an online condolence, please visit www.hufcutfuneralhome.com

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