Vincent R. Di Fiore December 17, 1930 – December 2, 2025

Vincent R. Di Fiore was born in Flushing, New York to Vincent and Philomena Di Fiore, their second child. He grew up in Corona, NY and Kingston, NY, winning many singing and track team accolades, before moving with his parents to Santa Barbara, California, in the summer before his junior year of high school. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from UC Santa Barbara, was commissioned First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army ROTC, and earned his Master’s degree from Cal State Long Beach.

At UCSB, Vincent met and fell in love with Paula Winkler, when he was to sing at a Sigma Pi fraternity event and she was assigned as his piano accompanist. They married in August 1953 and their union lasted 71 years, until Paula’s passing in December 2024.

Vincent had a successful career of over 30 years with the Torrance Unified School District. Positions included Counselor at Torrance High School, Vice Principal at West High School, Principal of Parkway Elementary, and Principal of Kurt T. Shery High School.

In retirement, Vincent served eight years on the Rolling Hills Estates Planning Commission and performed in several lead roles with the Prime Time Players. He had a beautiful singing voice all of his life, and enjoyed sharing this gift at family weddings, in Los Cancioneros, in the St. Luke’s Chancel Choir, and in many other choral and solo settings, right up until the last day of his life. He led a fulfilling and active life, playing tennis regularly with valued friends, traveling with Paula, and visiting with beloved family members. He will be deeply missed by many.

Vincent was predeceased by his sister Beatrice and his wife Paula. He is survived by children: Donna, Dean (Esther), Diane (Jerry Hester), Vincent, Denise (Jon Shuman); grandchildren: Elise, Jeffrey (Claire), Michael, Vincent, Carlo, Luca, Max; and great grandchild Nora.

Celebration of Life for both Vincent and Paula, with reception following, will be held at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church in Rolling Hills Estates on Saturday, February 21 at 11 AM.