Vincent C. Gagliardi passed away peacefully on December 15, 2017, due to complications from leukemia. He endured the disease for over three months with the support of his family and physicians, who remained by him to the end. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1938, Vincent was the son of Italian immigrants Donato and Gabriella Gagliardi. He graduated from Hunter College with a BA in 1959, where he developed his passion for the theatre. He then studied the theatre arts with an emphasis on stage design, receiving his MFA degree from the University of Iowa in 1961. After serving in the Army Reserve, Vincent did post-graduate work in Theatre and Opera Design at Indiana University. In 1964, he married Susan Spring Hermann, a fellow theatre major who would become his lifelong partner in every endeavor. Together they took positions in the theatre department of Minnesota State University in Mankato. After four years they moved to West Hartford, where Vincent served as professor in Central Connecticut State University’s Department of Theatre. His students learned the art and craft of stage design and lighting while working with him in over 260 productions. Beside teaching scene design and technique, he taught theatre history, and served as primary architectural consultant for CCSU’s Black Box Theatre. Vincent designed for professional companies, such as the Chautauqua Opera Company, NY, and the Playhouse on Park, West Hartford. Vincent marveled: “I get to go to work every day at a job I love, where they actually pay me for coloring!” Vincent recently said he would like to be remembered as a man who was loved by his family. His wife Spring, his daughters Jessica Hynes and Margo Tucker, his sons-in-law Patrick Hynes and Jim Tucker, and his granddaughters Emma and Kathryn Hynes, as well as his sister, nieces and nephews, agree that he was.
Calling hours will be held at Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave, West Hartford on Tuesday, December 19 from 4 PM to 7 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Peter Claver Church, 47 Pleasant St., West Hartford on Wednesday, December 20 at 10:30 AM with reception to follow. All are requested to meet at church. Burial will be held at a later date. Memorial donations should be made to the General Fund of St Peter Claver Church. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com