Vincenzo “Jim” Provenzano, Sr., 90, of Sigourney St., Bristol, died peacefully on Friday, June 14, at home surrounded by loved ones. He was the beloved husband of the late Alice Provenzano for 68 years. Mr. Provenzano was born on July 26,1934, the son of the late Francesco Provenzano and Giovanna Provenzano.
He was the devoted father of 17 children. Mr. Provenzano is survived and will be deeply missed by his daughters, Laura (Vet) Mason, Mary (Michael) Finello, Carole (Wayne) Hatfield, Alice (Dale) Deschaines, Helene (Kevin) Murphy, Giovanna (Charlie) Wrisley, Jessica (Jason) Dumont, Veronica (Rodrigo) Gomez, and sons Frank (Sally) Provenzano, Daniel Provenzano (Margaret Kolb), Chuck (Susan) Provenzano, John (Dorothy) Provenzano, Thomas Provenzano, Paul (Maryann) Provenzano and Jerome (Mindy) Provenzano. He is also survived by his sister, Anna (Frank) O’Fiara and sister-in-law, Barbara Provenzano. He will also be missed by 26 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
Vincent was predeceased by his son, Vincent Provenzano Jr. and infant son Matthew Provenzano, sisters Mary Rzewnicki and Elizabeth Pahl and brother, Francesco Provenzano.
Jim instilled a love of family and enjoyment of life. Papa was a baker by career and loved nothing more than celebrating his children’s many birthdays by baking special cakes and surrounding himself with family, friends, and neighbors. In addition to enjoying special occasions, he never missed an opportunity to spend time with family. He spent many days on the water with his sons as an avid fisherman and was a lifelong member of the Bristol Fish and Game Club.
Every Sunday you would find him drinking coffee, talking, and laughing with his children and grandchildren. His dedication to his wife, children, and grandchildren is his legacy. He was cared for in the last years of his life lovingly at home by his daughter, Veronica, son-in-law Rodrigo, and grandson, Nathaniel Gomez. The family deeply appreciated the support and compassionate care provided by nurse Michelle Brino in the last days of his life.
In his life, Papa had many wise sayings that reflect his positive outlook on life. One of our favorites, and the one that brings us comfort today is, “I’ve had a good life. I have lived in the best of times.”
We hope you will join us in celebrating his life. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, June 18, at O’Brien Funeral Home 24 Lincoln Ave. Bristol, starting at 10 a.m. until a funeral home service that will begin at 12 p.m. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol.
To leave an online message of condolences, please visit Vincent’s tribute page at www.OBrien-FuneralHome.com.
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