Obituary of Vincent Pompei

Vincent A. Pompei passed away on Sunday January 11, 2015. He was 98 years of age. Born in Trenton, Mr. Pompei lived in Trenton for many years before moving to Mercerville. Vincent was son of Dominico and Sarina (Bucci) Pompei. He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Julia Wolon, of Burlington, NJ, as well as his brothers, Anthony and Santino, and sister, Anna Loessaert. Mr. Pompei was educated at St. Joachim's Elementary School, the Immaculate Conception and Trenton Central High Schools, and he attended Rider College. Vincent was employed by the Trenton Fire Department for 41 years. He rose through the ranks in line, supervisory, and staff positions. His last position was Deputy Fire Chief in charge of Fire Prevention and Arson Investigation. He distinguished himself in many facets of departmental duties, including public relations regarding fire prevention and safety. Before joining the TFD, he worked in the office at General Motors. Prior to that, he was a barber in the Trenton area. Mr. Pompei was an accomplished drummer and for years performed with his own band, Jimmy Vincent's Orchestra, at many local establishments. He was a member of the Trenton Musicians Association. Mr. Pompei was a member of Our Lady of the Angels Parish, St. Joachim's Church in Trenton. Vincent was an avid golfer, belonging to Yardley, Old York and Sharon Country Clubs. He shared his enthusiasm for the sport and competed in tournaments along with his wife and daughters, to whom he taught the game. He was a member of the PGA Hole-in-One Club. Mr. Pompei also participated in many civic associations such as: Enrico Fermi Federation, Roman Hall Society, Societa San Bernardino, Italian American War Veterans, YMCA, Boys & Girl's Town of Italy, Mercer County Civil Service Golf League, Park Recreation Club, Clean City Committee, Citywide Safety Committee, Deborah Hospital Fund Drive Committee, March of Dimes, Boy's Club of Trenton Fund Drive. In addition, Vincent served for many years as the Parade Band Chairman for both the Columbus and Thanksgiving Day Parades for the City of Trenton. Vincent's fraternal affiliations included: Fireman's Mutual Benevolent Assoc. Local No. 6., Trenton Fire Department's Citizens Committee, Trenton Fire Officer's Assoc., International Assoc. of Fire Chiefs, NJ State Fire Prevention Assoc., International Assoc. of Arson Investigators, Advisory Committee on Arson Prevention, National Fire Protection Assoc., Trenton Civil Defense, American Red Cross, Trenton Post No. 2, Signal 22 and State Retired Police & Firemen's Association. Mr. Pompei served in the 112th Field Artillery and the National Guard. Upon discharge from the U.S. Army, he received the American Campaign, Asiatic Pacific Campaign, Good Conduct, Mercer County Military Service and World War II Victory Medals. He was a Disabled American War Veteran. Vincent is survived by 3 daughters: Virginia Jones and husband, Charles, of Wilmington, NC; Judith Miller and husband, Gregory, of Huntingdon Valley, PA; and Christine Pompei of Hamilton Square, and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank all the staff at Hamilton Continuing Care Center for their 8 years of excellent care of Vincent. Calling hours will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday January 15, 2015 at D'Errico Whitehorse Mercerville Chapel, 2365 Whitehorse Mercerville Road, Hamilton, NJ 08619. Please visit Vincent's tribute page at derricofuneralhome@aol.com. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Angels/Saint Joachim's Church, 20-50 Butler Street, Trenton, NJ. Burial will follow at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 350 Provinceline Road, North Hanover, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Our Ladies of the Angels Parish/St. Joachim's Church or the Alzheimer's Association, Greater New Jersey, 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834-1365.