Vincent J. Biondo, 90, passed away Jan. 30, 2003 at Rockynol Retirement Community.
Born in Santa Ninfa, Sicily on July 17, 1912 to Frank and Vitina Biondo, he immigrated to the U.S. in 1921. He graduated with honors from both North High School and the University of Akron College of Liberal Arts and College of Education, where he was a Pixley Scholar of English his sophomore year and a member of the Phi Sigma Alpha honorary society. He received his master of arts in English and education from the University of Akron. He also enrolled in the doctoral program of English at The Ohio State University. Vincent was a writer of poetry, having many poems published, his first when he was 12. He won two awards from the International Association of Poets.
He taught English in the Akron Public School System for 38 years at Buchtel and Firestone, where he also taught summer and night school. He also taught and supervised student teachers for 10 years at the University of Akron. Vincent was a proud Army veteran of World War II, having served with the 124th Signal Corps for three years.
Preceded in death by his sisters, Margaret Biondo, Catherine Antro and Pauline Russo, survivors include his wife of 57 years, Ruth M. (nee Trommer); children, Rev. Francine (Rev. Craig) Lantz of Pennsylvania, Frank Biondo R.R.T. of Portland, Ore.; grandchildren, Sgt. Philip (Spc. Sarah) Lantz serving in Kuwait and Avram and Nathan Biondo of Oregon; great-grandson, Caleb Lantz; sister, Frances Biondo of Akron; and two nieces and three nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Fr. Sam Ciccolini celebrant. Entombment at Rose Hill Burial Park, where Fire stone V.F.W. Post 3383 will per form military honors. Calling hours Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Silva Funeral Home/Rose Hill Chapel (formerly Ciriello), 3653 W. Market St., Fairlawn. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the Interval Brotherhood.
(Silva Funeral Home/Rose Hill Chapel, 330-666-3089.)<



Published in Akron Beacon Journal from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2, 2003.