Vincent "Vinny" Francis Michalski

Vincent “Vinny” F. Michalski of Odenton, MD died peacefully on Monday, September, 18, 2017 at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, DE at the age of 67. Vinny was born on October 2, 1949 in Greenpoint, NY and was the son of the late John Joseph Michalski and Catherine (Rella) Michalski.

Vinny graduated from George Westinghouse Vocational Technical High School in 1966 at the age of 16 with a degree in Radio and Television. He later graduated from City College in NY.  He married Theresa A. Rusiecki on October 8, 1967. He began his lifelong career with the Transit Authority in 1971 as a car inspector for New York City Transit.  In 1974, he moved his family to Maryland to take a position with Rohr Industries, where he was instrumental in building the cars and testing the systems prior to them being sold to Washington Metro. In July, 1978 he accepted a position as a vehicle engineer with WMATA (Washington Metro). During his 34 years at WMATA, he was responsible for the rigorous vehicle safety testing of all trains prior to accepting passengers, as well as being a first responder for accidents and emergencies. In 1983 Vinny was awarded Employee of the Year by the Office of Rail Service, a prestigious honor for his outstanding service during his time at WMATA.

Vinny is survived by his wife of 50 years Theresa “Terry” A. Michalski (Rusiecki); two children, Vincent J. Michalski and his wife Shaleigh and Catherine M. Ferrari and her husband Angelo, both of Odenton, MD; six grandchildren, Bethany, Gina, Katie, Nicholas, Sloane and Brynn.  He was predeceased by his brothers, Anthony and Josepeh, and survived by his brother, Michael Michalski and his wife Stella of Ozone Park, NY; three sister-in-law’s, Kathy Michalski, Barbara Michalski, Barbara Curtis (Gerard), cousins, Michael Cascione (Dina), Vincent Cascione (Antoinette) and Thomas Cascione (Valerie). His nieces, Lisa Sciarrino (Angelo), Dawn Michalski Stern, Nina Marzigliano (Lenny), Joanne Curtis-Mancini (Wayne), Michele Curtis (Bobby Godwin), Deborah Curtis McGuire, his nephews John Michalski, Dennis Watkins (MaryAnn), Brian Michalski (Maria) and Michael (Yanli) Michalski.

In addition to his parents and siblings, Vinny was preceded in death by his aunt and uncles, Lucey (Rella) Casione (Angelo) and Thomas Rella and his dear cousins, who cared for him in his early years, Catherine (Tony) DeCicco and Thomas Rella.

Vinny made a wonderful life for his family, who he loved more than anything. His five granddaughters, Bethany, Gina, Katie, Sloane and Brynn, and one Grandson, Nicholas, were his heart and soul. He enjoyed spending time with those he loved in his retirement haven, Bethany Beach. One of his favorite things to do was to relax at the bayside in with his wife, Terry and their dog Coco, while watching the sunset and reflecting on how blessed he was.  He loved gardening, bird watching, deep sea fishing and cooking his mother’s Italian dishes. Vinny could fix anything, from electronics to cars. He would help you even if you didn’t ask, his generosity, second to his love for family, is what those who knew him will always remember.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2017 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory, 1411 Annapolis Road Odenton, MD 21113. On Sunday, September 24, 2017 at 12:00pm, his lifelong family friends, Aaron and Rose Coleman, will officiate the funeral service. We welcome all to attend and celebrate Vinny’s life.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Beebe Medical Centers in Lewes, Delaware and The Bethany Beach Fire Department for  their efforts, care and support. 

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County P.O. Box 3471 Annapolis, MD 21403 or by visiting the link below:

  http://www.aacspca.org/ways-to-give/planned-giving.

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