I moved away from the Mastic/Shirley area in 1979, but have fond memories of Vinny. I was closer in age to Joe and played football with him as a kid along with more fond memories, but remember Vinny’s kindness. He passed along some photography equipment to me and it’s weird, but I’ve never forgotten that. I am saddened to hear of his passing and I wish the entire family all the strength that God can provide. It looks like Vinny became one heck of a man with quite a list of accomplishments. God bless him.
Thinking about you a lot lately. Miss you more than you could possibly know. I could sure use a lunch with you to talk with you about everything that’s going on and hear your calming words and sarcastic comments. They were always the perfect combination.
I’m Vincents Mother. It is so nice that after all of this time people still miss him as much as we do. I know he is rpoud of you and is watching, so keep up the good work.
Been thinking about you a lot lately. I can’t believe it has been more than 2 years already, it’s crazy. I wish I could update you on everything, you would be proud and would be able to calm me down just a little :)
2 years-how can it be? You may not want to hear this, but it is still so hard for me to think about you being gone. Sometimes I think you are still here in some way, like when Dave had his accident and you took care of him and make sure he came out of it OK. But I sure miss hearing you tell your funny stories and seeing your smiling face. Every time a plane flies overhead I look up and say “Hi Vin.”
You may be gone, but you are definitely not forgotten.
I think I have finally gotten to a point where I can think about you in a happy way instead of being overcome with anger, frustration and all kinds of other emotions. It is still so incredibly weird for me to think that you are no longer around. I have so many things I want to tell you. So many things I want you to be proud of. I have been able to accomplish what I have because of the impact and influence you had on my life. I don’t even think I have the words to describe to you what you meant to me and so many others. I never shared it with you and for that I will always be regretful, but I am hoping you realized it in some way.
Thank you for believing in me and pushing me past my obstacles. Thank you for your constant will to listen and help. Thank you for challenging me to go away to college and for being a father figure to me. Most of all, thank you for your kind and passionate ways and loving advice that has allowed me to get where I am today.
I love you and am thankful for you more than I think you could ever realize. I wish more than anything that you were still here to see where I am and to finish watching me “grow up.” I so much want you to still be a part of my life. Keep looking out for everyone like you always did and please visit me in my dreams. I could use a good Nasta visit.
I want to take a moment to thank you for being along side Dave, on Saturday June 5, 2010, when the plane he was instructing in crashed into that building. After talking to Dave’s wife, I realized it was you that was beside him, opened the door, helping him out, which saved his life. Even though you are no longer with us, you will ALWAYS be here. You are truly missed, everyday, and have a way of showing us you’re still around. Love and Miss you!!!
Lisa :o)
Hey Vinny,
It has taken me a long time to bring myself to fight the emotions and write this message to you. I was in the hospital with my wife after she had given birth on the 18th with my brand new baby boy when I heard from a friend that you had left us all. Maybe you were leaving so that there would be room in this world for my new boy. At least that’s what I am telling myself. I slumped in my chair for a while immediately flooded with memories. As I sat here holding back the tears it occurred to me that you were more important to me then you will ever know. You took an unconfident kid and gave me the confidence to believe in myself. You made me believe Vinny. Sitting with me for all those hours working on my self-portrait and introducing me to Computer Art. Remember those tiny little black and white Macintosh computers that we had the first year? I was hooked. My confidence was bolstered again when you took a few others and me to portfolio day at Cooper Union. Even though I didn’t get in, that experience would prepare me much later when I was accepted to the Savannah College of Art and Design. I remember all those drawing classes we went to in Southampton and the look on your face when you tried to explain that I would be drawing nude women to my dad. That memory makes me smile. But Art was just the beginning. I remember that old busted tape player and how you introduced me to Hendrix. I think i have every album he ever made now. I have nothing but fond memories of the three years I spent around you. Because of you I went on to earn my Bachelors of Fine Art from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2000.
As most self absorbed young people do I fell out of touch with the teachers who made a difference and just expected them to be frozen in time until such time as we come back to visit. I had always hoped that one day I could introduce my children to my idol and inspiration. It is with tears in my eyes I realize now that will never be possible. I am saddened that they will never know those understanding eyes, the warm disposition, silly nature and overall wonderful person you were. I will miss you.
I am now embarking on another journey of self-confidence as I start my own graphic design business. I will keep you in my thoughts on each project I work on and wonder, “What would Vinny do?”
Dear Uncle Vinny,
I haven’t been on this site in a while… Mommy has been making you different flower decorations for your resting place so that it looks nice. A lot of people miss you, and every time I see a plane I think of you. I love you Uncle Vinny!
Love,
Alexis xoxoxo
Although I teach in a different school, every time I step into my classroom I think of Vinny. I truly miss him, but he is always there as my inspiration.
I moved away from the Mastic/Shirley area in 1979, but have fond memories of Vinny. I was closer in age to Joe and played football with him as a kid along with more fond memories, but remember Vinny’s kindness. He passed along some photography equipment to me and it’s weird, but I’ve never forgotten that. I am saddened to hear of his passing and I wish the entire family all the strength that God can provide. It looks like Vinny became one heck of a man with quite a list of accomplishments. God bless him.
Hey Nasta,
Thinking about you a lot lately. Miss you more than you could possibly know. I could sure use a lunch with you to talk with you about everything that’s going on and hear your calming words and sarcastic comments. They were always the perfect combination.
Love you and miss you.
Lauren
Hi
I’m Vincents Mother. It is so nice that after all of this time people still miss him as much as we do. I know he is rpoud of you and is watching, so keep up the good work.
love
Mrs Nasta
Hi Uncle Vinny,
I miss you everyday! Now i know im a little late but HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! :) Well i just want you to know that i love you! Hope to see you soon!
Been thinking about you a lot lately. I can’t believe it has been more than 2 years already, it’s crazy. I wish I could update you on everything, you would be proud and would be able to calm me down just a little :)
Miss you and love you.
Dear Vin,
2 years-how can it be? You may not want to hear this, but it is still so hard for me to think about you being gone. Sometimes I think you are still here in some way, like when Dave had his accident and you took care of him and make sure he came out of it OK. But I sure miss hearing you tell your funny stories and seeing your smiling face. Every time a plane flies overhead I look up and say “Hi Vin.”
You may be gone, but you are definitely not forgotten.
Love,
Jeanne
Nasta,
I think I have finally gotten to a point where I can think about you in a happy way instead of being overcome with anger, frustration and all kinds of other emotions. It is still so incredibly weird for me to think that you are no longer around. I have so many things I want to tell you. So many things I want you to be proud of. I have been able to accomplish what I have because of the impact and influence you had on my life. I don’t even think I have the words to describe to you what you meant to me and so many others. I never shared it with you and for that I will always be regretful, but I am hoping you realized it in some way.
Thank you for believing in me and pushing me past my obstacles. Thank you for your constant will to listen and help. Thank you for challenging me to go away to college and for being a father figure to me. Most of all, thank you for your kind and passionate ways and loving advice that has allowed me to get where I am today.
I love you and am thankful for you more than I think you could ever realize. I wish more than anything that you were still here to see where I am and to finish watching me “grow up.” I so much want you to still be a part of my life. Keep looking out for everyone like you always did and please visit me in my dreams. I could use a good Nasta visit.
Love you.
Vin,
I want to take a moment to thank you for being along side Dave, on Saturday June 5, 2010, when the plane he was instructing in crashed into that building. After talking to Dave’s wife, I realized it was you that was beside him, opened the door, helping him out, which saved his life. Even though you are no longer with us, you will ALWAYS be here. You are truly missed, everyday, and have a way of showing us you’re still around. Love and Miss you!!!
Lisa :o)
Hey Vinny,
It has taken me a long time to bring myself to fight the emotions and write this message to you. I was in the hospital with my wife after she had given birth on the 18th with my brand new baby boy when I heard from a friend that you had left us all. Maybe you were leaving so that there would be room in this world for my new boy. At least that’s what I am telling myself. I slumped in my chair for a while immediately flooded with memories. As I sat here holding back the tears it occurred to me that you were more important to me then you will ever know. You took an unconfident kid and gave me the confidence to believe in myself. You made me believe Vinny. Sitting with me for all those hours working on my self-portrait and introducing me to Computer Art. Remember those tiny little black and white Macintosh computers that we had the first year? I was hooked. My confidence was bolstered again when you took a few others and me to portfolio day at Cooper Union. Even though I didn’t get in, that experience would prepare me much later when I was accepted to the Savannah College of Art and Design. I remember all those drawing classes we went to in Southampton and the look on your face when you tried to explain that I would be drawing nude women to my dad. That memory makes me smile. But Art was just the beginning. I remember that old busted tape player and how you introduced me to Hendrix. I think i have every album he ever made now. I have nothing but fond memories of the three years I spent around you. Because of you I went on to earn my Bachelors of Fine Art from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2000.
As most self absorbed young people do I fell out of touch with the teachers who made a difference and just expected them to be frozen in time until such time as we come back to visit. I had always hoped that one day I could introduce my children to my idol and inspiration. It is with tears in my eyes I realize now that will never be possible. I am saddened that they will never know those understanding eyes, the warm disposition, silly nature and overall wonderful person you were. I will miss you.
I am now embarking on another journey of self-confidence as I start my own graphic design business. I will keep you in my thoughts on each project I work on and wonder, “What would Vinny do?”
Goodbye, and thank you my friend.
-Joe
Dear Uncle Vinny,
I haven’t been on this site in a while… Mommy has been making you different flower decorations for your resting place so that it looks nice. A lot of people miss you, and every time I see a plane I think of you. I love you Uncle Vinny!
Love,
Alexis xoxoxo
Hi Alexis,
Although I teach in a different school, every time I step into my classroom I think of Vinny. I truly miss him, but he is always there as my inspiration.
…keep watching those planes.
Ron