Obituary of Carmen Vincent Minnella

A Career of Service Carmen Vincent ("Vince") Minnella, 82, of Cortland, NY, passed away at his home on December 17, 2023. Vince was born in Bayonne, NJ to Michael and Mary Minnella on June 28, 1941. He grew up in Queens, NY and graduated from the highly-selective Stuyvesant High School in 1959. He went on to earn graduate and postgraduate degrees in Chemistry and Education (Instructional Communications) from Syracuse University. Vince briefly worked at Brandeis University before starting his career at SUNY Cortland. He was a long-time staff member at SUNY Cortland, retiring as the Director of Training & Production Services after 29 years. Following his retirement, he provided professional and volunteer consulting services on Apple computers and related devices. Vince spent most of his life in service to his community. He was involved with the Cortland Fire Department for over 40 years, starting as a Volunteer Firefighter in the Hitchcock Hose Co. #6 in 1970. In 1977 he began to specialize in fire investigations and ultimately held the role of Lieutenant in the Fire Investigation Division from 1982-1985 and from 2009-2015. He was also a Commissioner on the Cortland City Board of Fire Commissioners from 2004-2011. Vince was very proud of the opportunity that he had to spend 4 days in the field with his hometown NYC Fire Department, 40th Battalion. In addition to his work with the fire department, Vince served multiple terms as a commissioner on the City of Cortland Cable TV Commission and as a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board. Outside of work and community involvement, Vince enjoyed watching sports with friends and family, particularly Syracuse University teams, the Buffalo Bills, and his hometown Giants. He was an avid home cook and his love of food was infectious; he always enjoyed trying new recipes and perfecting and documenting family favorites. Vince married Jean Minnella, also of Cortland, in 1969, and is survived by her and their sons, Todd Minnella (wife Stephanie) of San Diego, CA and Chris Minnella (wife Bernedette and grandchildren Ethan, Mary, and Chloe) of Pittsford, NY. Calling hours will be held at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home on December 22 from noon to 2pm with a memorial service to immediately follow. Memorial donations may be made to the Cortland County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Inc. (https://cortlandspca.org/donate). The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Cortland Fire Department; his brothers and sisters in the CFD were incredibly important to him. He was a loving husband and a devoted father and grandfather. His presence in our community will be missed.