Vincent K. Dolise

Vincent K. Dolise, “Vinnie”, 83, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Beloved husband of 59 years to Nora Dolise.  Devoted father of Kim Kelberg, her husband Scott, the late Carmen Dolise and his wife Jen.  Cherished grandfather of Jordan and Madeline Kelberg, Vincent and Anthony Dolise.  Dear brother of Carol Gonnello and her husband Michael.  Vinnie was pre-deceased by his parents Carmine and Katherine Dolise.

Vinnie was born in Newark, NJ and grew up in East Orange with his loving parents and sister Carol. Throughout his childhood he was surrounded by a huge extended family of cousins, Aunts and Uncles, and dozens and dozens of friends.  He went to St. Lucy’s school and later attended East Orange High School where he met his wife, Nora. They were married in 1966 and later had two beautiful children, Kim and Carmen.  Vinnie served in the Army National Guard in the1960s. In addition to his military service, he was a draftsman as a contractor for many years. He went on to work for Amtrak in New York and New Jersey for 20 years.  After retiring from the Railroad, he began his second career with the Essex County Sherrif’s Department.  He worked there for 25 years and retired as a Detective in 2007.  Vinnie enjoyed his retirement and traveled throughout the country and abroad with his wife and close friends.  In 2007 he fulfilled a lifelong dream of traveling to Sicily where he met his cousins on his mother’s side of his family.  He was a proud member of the Italian American Club, the Elks Lodge, St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Catholic Church, and the National Rifle Association.  He was a lover of history, was an incredible storyteller, and had a wonderful sense of humor. He was an amazing chef, always welcoming friends and family into his home and at his dining room table. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend.  He will be dearly missed.   

Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc., 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park on Friday, July 18th from 4-8pm.  Funeral on Saturday, July 19th, assembling at the funeral home at 9am, followed by the funeral mass at St. Rose of Lima Church in East Hanover at 10am.  Entombment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Vincent’s name to Tunnel to Towers and/or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, see donation box below for details….

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