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Michael P. Vinciguerra

Michael P. Vinciguerra

Michael P. Vinciguerra, 79, went on eternal patrol March 24, 2021. Michael was born Dec. 8, 1941, in Dunkirk, N.Y., to the late Rocco and Mary Ann (Messina) Vinciguerra.

Michael is loved and sadly missed by his surviving family, wife Jill (Aniszewski) whom he married on Jan. 6, 1984; three daughters: Stephanie (Ret, Capt, Robert) Roncska, Jennifer (Joe) Belovarac, and Julie (Alex Tadt) Vinciguerra; grandchildren Sophia and Zachary Roncska; and son, John Atzrott and family.

A lifelong resident, Michael was a 1960 Dunkirk High School graduate. After graduating, Michael enlisted into the U.S. Navy. While in the U.S. Navy, Michael served as an engineman, Petty Officer 3rd Class (EN3SS) aboard the submarine, USS Trigger SS-564.

Along with his service, Michael worked in the metals industry and for the South Buffalo Railway. Michael also worked for Nestle Purina where he later retired as a maintenance supervisor. After retiring Michael went on to work for Chadwick Bay Construction where he was responsible for oversight on school renovation projects; worked as a project maintenance consultant for Nestle Purina in Canada and Oklahoma; served the public for 15plus years as the Pomfret Town Constable; and most recently drove trucks for Pierce Services.

Michael was active in the community serving as the president of the Dunkirk Historical Lighthouse and Veterans Park Museum. He was a member of the American Legion Post 1344, the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 89, the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, United Steel Workers (South Buffalo Railway), and the United Aluminum workers (Kaiser Aluminum). Michael also belonged to the National Rifle Association and held a membership in the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

Michael was an avid hunter and fisherman, but he enjoyed his time at the Dunkirk Airport the most. He first started flying in 1961 and continued flying until just before his hospitalization. Michael owned multiple planes including a twin-engine Beechcraft Baron, American Champion Scout Floatplane, and a Cessna Aircraft. Michael also was a scuba diver, loved boating and street racing, especially corvettes, of which he owned many. He also enjoyed riding his Harley motorcycles around town and across country. You might have caught him at Coughlin’s enjoying a ginger ale.

Michael was well recognized and known for his cowboy boots and mustache. He was a fiercely loyal friend and his generosity will be missed by many.

Michael is also survived by his father-in-law Edmund Aniszewski; sisters-in-law: Pam (Les) Sikorski and Rae (Rick) Jankowski; Brothers-in-law: Craig Aniszewski and Edmund (Stephanie) Aniszewski; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends.

Besides his parents, Michael is preceded in death by his daughter, Jacquelyn Vinciguerra (1990-2015); sister Diane Helfeldt-Weeks (2015); mother-in-law, Marie Aniszewski (2016); and sister-in-law LuLu Aniszewski (2007).

A memorial service for family and friends will be held at a later date. Please contact a member of Michael’s family for further details. Any memorial contributions in Michael’s memory can be made to the Dunkirk Historical Lighthouse and Veterans Park Museum, PO Box 69, 1 Lighthouse Point Drive, Dunkirk NY 14048.