Vincent Carroll Mackay

Vincent Carroll Mackay. December 18, 1935 - March 17, 2018

Early March 17th , Vince's loving family said goodbye to a devoted husband, proud father, and doting grandfather. His legacy is his partner of 60 years, Ginny, his five children, fourteen grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren who each remember so many wonderful times.  

From a young age, Vince expressed his patriotism. Too young to serve, Vince watched his four older brothers enlist in the service during World War II.  He did his part by collecting plants for life vests and later in life, he fondly recalled seeing a plane tip its wings at him and his father when the war was finally over.  Vince was so proud of his enlisted grandchildren. 

Vince's family describes him as a lifelong learner as he pursued a variety of interests and passed them on to his family. In childhood, biology and natural science were favorite subjects and his projects extended past the realm of grade school. From a young age, he was a talented artist in a variety of mediums. He loved creating and building spaces for the family over the years; both family homes have huge patios that he planned and built.  Despite his industrious nature, Vince enjoyed flying kites whether at the beach or at the house, a carryover from his childhood.  As his children grew, Vince created extravagant paper mache Halloween costumes, giant human sized snow bunnies and snowmen, and even clay sculptures.  He shared his love of music with his family and continued to play piano and organ throughout his life. It is because of his musical pursuits that many of Vince's grandchildren play musical instruments.  In addition to his family and personal interests, Vince's hard work in his career paid off over the years as he progressed from a letter carrier to the Postmaster of Villanova.  

By far his proudest achievement was his family.  He ran his "Irish twins" like an army unit, with discipline and tremendous pride.  Ginny was his life-partner, and they spent their 60 years raising kids, sharing their enjoyment of travel, their common interest in working for the postal service, and their shared dream of Rocky Acres.  He loved animals, and it was mutual. He once saved a crippled Starling named Sammy and then to the surprise of everyone, taught him how to speak. 

It's possible, though, that nothing gave him more pleasure than his grandchildren, who will remember him for their summers spent together at the family home, the extravagant holiday dinners, and his ability to cure almost any complaint with a sweet treat! Vince and Ginny created the pillars of a strong family unit and established their home as a warm, embracing environment full of laughter and memories. 

Vince is survived by his wife, Virginia, his children and their partners; Vincent C. Mackay, Jr. and Jill Mattia, Kathleen and Robert Mantell, James and Rose Mackay, Colleen and William Osienski, Maureen Mackay and David Burghart, fourteen grandchildren and fourteen (Wow!) great-grandchildren. 

Services and interment will be private. 

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The Mission Continues, 1141 South 7^th Street

St. Louis, MO 63104; https://missioncontinues.org and /or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 8th Avenue, 7th Floor New York, NY  10001; https://alzfdn.org/support-us/donate

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181 www.DellaFH.com.