Vinnie Carr

Vinnie Carr, 78, of West Haven, died peacefully on August 26, 2025. Born Vincent Stephen Carfora in New Haven on May 28, 1947, a son of the late Pasquale and Julia (Parillo) Carfora. He is survived by wife Denise (LaMonica) Carr; children Vinnie Jr. (Gina, fiancée) and Daniella (Francesco, boyfriend); brother Pasquale (Karen) Carfora; and nephew Pasquale (Marie) Carfora; in-laws Benedict and Barbara LaMonica; and brother-in-law Mark (Sue) LaMonica; along with many cousins and lifelong friends.

At the age of 5, Vinnie began playing the accordion at his parents’ restaurant.  A graduate of the Wilbur Cross High School Class of 1965, Vinnie was drafted to the US Army in 1966.  During his years of military service, Vinnie began forming his band and playing the keyboard.  After his honorable discharge from the Army, Vinnie enrolled in the Police Academy and served as an officer in the City of New Haven.

During this time, Vinnie’s band grew wildly popular, drawing his full attention to performing music of the 40s, 50s, and 60s for his fans.  He began the Vinnie Carr Orchestra and would perform 2-3 shows per day, working every day of the week in lounges, dance halls, and senior centers for countless occasions.  Vinnie was well known in the New Haven area and performed regularly at local Italian festivals and town greens.  His record-holding musical career lasted over 50 years.

One of Vinnie’s fondest memories was performing at New Haven Wooster Street’s Italian Festival in 1975 for a “sea of people” packing the street.  Playing music for live audiences and watching them dance and sing in response to his music made him happiest. Vinnie lived “larger than life” and leaves behind a legacy as a Musician/Entertainer.

In his private life, Vinnie valued his family.  Traveling and vacationing with family were his treasured moments.  When not traveling, he would relax at home, tanning in the sun and enjoying a cigar. Vinnie defined his life by Frank Sinatra’s lyrics: “I faced it all and I stood tall, and did it My Way."

The family of Vinnie Carr would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Smilow Cancer Hospital for their compassionate care during his final days. Additional thanks to Dr. Jill Lacy and her oncology team for their ongoing support during his treatment.

Visitation will be Friday, August 29, 2025, from 4 until 8 o’clock at the West Haven Funeral Home at the Green, 662 Savin Avenue, West Haven, CT.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 30 at 9:30 a.m. in St. John Vianney Church of St. John XXIII Parish, 300 Captain Thomas Boulevard, West Haven. Attendees are asked to meet directly at church. Interment with military honors will immediately follow in St. Lawrence Garden Mausoleum, 280 Derby Avenue, West Haven.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Vinnie’s memory to the Tommy Fund for Childhood Cancer, tommyfund.org.

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