In Memory of "Enzo" Vince Puglielli
- by Rita Prigioni
I first met "Enzo" several years ago while we were students taking an Italian class with Italian Instructor Christopher Celi as part of the WisItalia-Madison Italian classes taught at the Italian Workmen's Club in Madison. He used the name "Enzo" in class, and Vince outside of class. Enzo was always a delight to talk to. He was very soft-spoken, told wonderful stories, and we all enjoyed his "novità."
During the last year or two, Vince became very involved in studying the genealogy of the people who lived in the Greenbush neighborhood. While I was stationed at the "WisItalia" table at Festa Italia in Fitchburg, Vince was in charge of the nearby Cultural Tent, which contained many photos of past residents and houses from the Greenbush area.
Then, for his own genealogy, I spent some time with him this past Fall going over the process of how to become an Italian citizen, using my own experience as a resource. In turn, Vince gave me a few cards he had made from the paintings he created. Although I've given most of them away as birthday or anniversary cards, I still have one left for me to keep in his memory. Vince was a talented painter. I am glad he had submitted an art exhibit at my place of work this past summer. I had started the art display program about a year ago, and suggested to Vince that he might like to apply. View a sample of Vince's art exhibit (exit WisItalia).
One of Enzo's artwork has also been featured on the WisItalia website on the Italy Web Album page since he had shared his painting of the Basilica of Santa Sabina with us during one of our Italian lessons. Enzo had painted this picture on his trip to Rome, Italy in May 2009.
This past week, as Phyllis DeGioia and I were recalling the fun times we had with Enzo, she sent me a photo she had recently taken of him with some of his paintings. I thought it most fitting to include it with this rememberance of him. We will miss you, Enzo/Vince. Our heart goes out to his wife Leanne, and their family.
Vincent George Puglielli, age 68, died Friday, March 11, 2011, at home following a six-year battle with cancer.
