Vincent “Vinnie” Medeiros, 72, of Newport, RI, completed his final round and stepped off the green on January 4, 2026, at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center after a month-long illness surrounded by his family.
One of Vinnie’s greatest joys in life was golf, which teed off his education and early career. At 15, he began work as a caddy at Wanumetonomy Country Club in Middletown, later moving to the Pro Shop. As a result of his time there, he was awarded a full scholarship and attended Roger Williams College in Bristol, RI, with a major in History. He also attended the PGA Business School I in Florida and continued his career in the Pro Shop at Rhode Island Country Club in Barrington, RI, for five years.
After leaving the golf world, Vinnie began a long and dedicated career as a defense contractor supporting the US Navy at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC). Over a span of 43 years, he worked for four different contractors. Before his retirement in July 2025, he worked with MIKEL, Inc. as a System Engineer/Data Manager in the Acoustic Data Center (ADC) Library, where he supported information and data for Virginia and Seawolf class submarines.
Vinnie was beloved by family and friends for his sense of humor; he was a jokester, known for silly antics and his “commitment to the bit.” Those who called his landline were often greeted by his answering machine saying, “This is A1 Pizza; leave a message.” When accepting an invitation to family events, he always followed up with, “I’ll bring the chouriço pizza.”
He was an active member of his community, particularly within his neighborhood, the Fifth Ward. After 47 years of calling it home, he had woven himself into the fabric of the neighborhood. Alongside a group of fellow fifth-warder friends, he designed baseball caps for the residents of “5W” to proudly don.
Vinnie was a devoted son, brother, uncle, and friend. He embodied what it means to give the shirt off his back to anyone in need without expecting or wanting recognition for his generosity. He quietly took care of the people in his life when they needed him simply because that was his nature. Vinnie was also known for his deep love and compassion for animals, especially his dogs. He could often be found strolling around King Park, enjoying the view and fresh ocean breeze with his loyal canine companion, Molly. He cherished each of his dogs and honored them through regular donations to various charities for the wellbeing of animals.
Vinnie is survived by his siblings, Virginia Dobson (Charles) of Coventry, RI; Margaret Elliott (Edward) of Portsmouth, RI; and Diane Larson (Nels) of Goose Creek, SC. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Jeffrey Dobson, Danielle Beagen, Nicolas Medeiros, Jessica DeMello, Tara Ecenarro, Sunny-Dae Larson, and Lilly Larson-Daniels, as well as 7 great-nieces and -nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Manuel P. Medeiros; his mother, Anna M. Medeiros; and his brother, Manuel V. Medeiros.
Visiting hours will be held Friday, January 9 from 5:00-7:00 pm at the O’Neill-Hayes Funeral Home, 465 Spring St, Newport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, January 10 at St. Augustin’s Church, corner of Carroll & Harrison Ave, Newport at 10:00 am. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Vincent’s name to the Potter League for Animals, 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI 02842, potterleague.org/donate/ or to a charity of your choice.