Obituary of Vincent "Vinny" Czubak

Vincent J. Czubak (Vinny) passed away peacefully at his "happy place", his Florida residence on Lake Okeechobee in Clewiston, FL on Saturday, February 13, 2021, with his devoted wife at his side.  He was 81.

 

The son of the late Vincent P. and Josephine Wesolowski Czubak, he was born March 12, 1939, in Florida, NY.  He attended St. Joseph's school, and graduated from SS Seward Institute in 1956.  While attending the RCA Institute in NY City studying electronics, he realized his true passion was farming.  The "Black Dirt" of Orange County, NY was in his blood!  His grandfather, Josef Czubak, an immigrant from Poland in the 1890's, was one of the first onion growers in the region.  Vinny followed in his footsteps, and successfully operated his own farm for 44 years, with the help of his two sons, Vincent and Brian, and his beloved Uncle Barkey.

 

Vinny was an outdoors man.  He loved spending time at his hunting club, WA-A-WE Rod and Gun Club, where he was a longtime member. Whether it be hunting, fishing, sitting in his tree stand, drinking whiskey sours or chatting with his friends, he was happy.  Ice fishing in upstate NY was another activity he thoroughly enjoyed, until he and his buddy, the late Frank Jarocki Sr. realized fishing on Lake Okeechobee or in the Florida Keys in the winter was a lot more enjoyable and warmer.   He was a member of the Elks in Middletown, NY and the Eagles in Moore Haven, FL.  He was a lifetime member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, in Florida, NY, and served as an altar boy in his youth.  He was a Boy Scout Leader and his fondest memories were of their camping trips. He also was a 58 year member of the Florida Fire Department.

 

As his "bonus" daughter, Stephanie, who thankfully came into his life 35 years ago, and he loved as his own, wrote:

"Vinny was a Prince!  The strongest yet most peaceful man.  He showed compassion to everyone and found beauty in the most-simple things.  He had a deep love of the land and all creatures on it.  Vinny's life was a stable walk with God.  He understood the importance of working hard, being consistent and faithful.  His extraordinary heart and infectious smile left an impression on everyone he met.  All who knew him would attest that he was the kindest, brightest soul they've ever known.  As he was our Angel here on earth, he is now our Angel up above, and to honor him, we should all strive to live our lives as he lived his.  The Best Ever!"

 

Survivors of this incredible man include his wife of 32 years, Jeanette Sikirica Czubak; his son Vincent Czubak III of Glen Spey, NY; his daughter, Joanne Cavallaro and partner Ron Kinney of Hunlock Creek, PA; his stepdaughter, Stephanie of Okeechobee, FL; his grandsons, Anthony James Cavallaro and wife Christie of Goshen, NY; Dr. Vincent Cavallaro and wife Jacqueline of Stratford, CT; his granddaughter, Brianna Ognibene and husband James of Middletown, NY; his great granddaughters, Kaleigh Grace Cavallaro and Brielle Marion Cavallaro of Goshen, NY; his sister Frances Czubak Roach of Florida, NY; his godson and nephew, Donald V. Roach and wife Susan of Texas; his niece Dianne McDonough and husband Richard of Holbrook, NY; his nephews, Mark Roach and wife Maria of Norwalk, CT, and Matthew Roach and wife Denise of Florida, NY, and many cousins and grandnieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents, son Brian and brother-in-law, Donald Roach.

 

The family would like to thank Dr. Mayank Shah for the compassionate care he gave to Vinny over the past 20 years, along with Dr. James C. Wittig and Dr. Federico A Steiner, his surgeons at Morristown Medical Center.  Special thanks to Kathy Burwell, Risk Management, Morristown Medical Center for tending to his every need when Vinny was released from the hospital.

 

As per Vinny’s wishes, there will be a private viewing at Frances G. Ozog Funeral Home, Johnstown, PA and burial in Grandview Cemetery, Johnstown, PA with Father Francis Balestino officiating.

 

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Joseph's Church, Florida, NY  11AM Saturday, June 12, 2021, followed by a Celebration of His Life at the Polish Legion of American Veterans (PLAV), 16 Legion Road, Pine Island, NY.  All family and friends are welcome to attend.  Hopefully by then, this pandemic will be under control, and we can safely congregate in the outdoor pavilion.

 

Contributions in Vinny's memory may be made to Hope Hospice of Hendry County, 100 W. C. Owens, Clewiston, FL 33440, whose help made it possible for him to remain at home until his passing, the Florida Fire Department, PO Box 600, Florida, NY 10921, and St. Joseph Cemetery General Maintenance Fund, C/O St. Joseph Church, 14 Glenmere Ave., Florida, NY 10921.

 

Local arrangements are under the direction of the T.S. Purta Funeral Home