Vincent Paul Pudlo

Vincent Paul Pudlo of Lebanon, CT, passed away peacefully, in his sleep, on Monday, November 9th, 2020, at the Douglas Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation facility in Windham, CT. Uncle Vinnie, as he was known to family and friends, was born December 24th, 1954, at Backus Hospital in Norwich, CT. He was the second of four children. Graduating from Lyman Memorial High School, he worked a number of jobs and even did short haul work for Wrightman’s delivering grain and feed to farmers in the New England states. However, the job he worked for the majority of his adult life, was with the Lebanon Highway Department, beginning September 19th, 1988, until his retirement 25 years later. Vinnie was heavily involved in Boy Scouting and was an Eagle Scout himself. He and his brother Steven Pudlo earned the award together in the 1970’s with it being specially presented to them by their [late] mother, Mary [Pierce] Pudlo. As a youth Vinnie earned many merit badges and even held a leadership position as Senior Patrol Leader. However, the most distinguished awards he earned were The Eagle Scout, The Arrow of Light, Wood badge, District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver, World Conservation, and The 50 miler afloat and afoot. As an adult he was part of Pack 58 as a Committee Member, a District Commissioner, and a Troop 58 Assistant Scoutmaster. He helped lead Troup 58, the original Troup in town, where both his boys, James Pudlo and Michael Pudlo, were involved. He also helped Mrs. Marcia Schuett, Leader of Troup 180 in the town of Lebanon, when requested, with camp-outs at the June Norcross Webster Scout Reservation in Ashford, CT. Apart from being involved in Boy Scouting, Vinnie, his brother Steven, and his father, Chester, were members of the local Lebanon Fire Department. He enjoyed his time on the Fire Department and was well liked by his colleagues and friends. Vinnie was well known in his home town, having been a long-time resident, and was friendly with all those he met. He loved to sing and would spend at least one night a week at the local restaurant lounge enjoying the music of a small band or guitarist. He had quite a commanding singing voice and it was said that his favorite “camp” song was Little Froggie. He was a kind ole soul and very generous, almost to a fault. He liked to treat friends to meals at his favorite hot spot in Willimantic, The Olympic Restaurant. He was giving of his time, talent(s) and his treasure(s). Vinnie leaves behind his oldest sister Debbie Pudlo, brother-in-law Rick Palmer, brother Steven Pudlo, youngest sister JoAnn Grimes, brother-in-law Russell Grimes, sons James Pudlo and Michael Pudlo, nieces Mandy and Samantha Grimes, niece Julia Pudlo, her husband Chad Pudlo, a grand niece Gwendolyn Pudlo, a good friend Sherry Sellers, and many other treasured friends as well! He will surely be missed by those he knew so well. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Friends of the June Norcross Webster Scout Reservation, c/o John Haskell, 100 Lake Road, Jewett City CT 06351. Checks payable to CRC. The funeral service, at graveside, will be at the discretion of family and will occur in May 2021. A “Celebration of his Life” picnic will also occur in 2021 with date to be set in warmer weather. You can contact Sherry A. Sellers at: sherry_sellers@sbcglobal.net for update(s) or further detail.