Vincent Rocco Staffo

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Dad, Vincent R. Staffo, 82, of Benton, Arkansas, formerly of Ilion, New York. Vincent passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at UAMS Medical Center with his family at his side. He was born January 9, 1941, in Little Falls, New York to Rocco and Kathryn (Metz) Staffo.

Vincent was educated in Herkimer, New York schools and entered the United States Air Force in October 1958.  A proud USAF Veteran and military history buff, Vincent served his country in Texas, New Mexico and Alaska until 1962. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to upstate New York and met the love of his life.

He was united in marriage to Judith R. Becker on July 15, 1967, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in St. Johnsville, New York. Together they shared a devoted and loving marriage for over 54 years until her passing in August 2021.

Vincent and Judith moved to Chicago, IL where he enrolled at DeVry Institute of Technology and graduated first in his class, receiving an Electronics Technician Diploma in 1969.  After returning to upstate New York, Vincent was employed with Chicago Pneumatic, MDS, and PAR Technology Corporation as a Quality Control Engineer until his retirement.

An avid ham radio operator for decades, Vincent (WB2FYZ, later NY5AR) enjoyed the many lifelong friendships he made while being an active member of the Fort Herkimer Amateur Radio Association where he was awarded the 2005 Ham of the Year Award. Through that hobby, he would often talk to people from all over the world in a time when doing so was very uncommon. He was also a member of various technology clubs, often building computers for his family, and enjoyed sharing his vast knowledge of computing with his children and grandchildren.

Vincent’s outgoing personality was evident to everyone who met him, and his capacity for learning seemed endless. He took great interest in those he talked with and showed a genuine appreciation for details about the lives of others. His greatest role in life was that of Husband, Dad and Grandpa. He led by example, instilling a deep love of family and kindness towards others in both his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all those who loved him.

He leaves behind his son Steven Staffo and wife Jean of Scottsdale, Arizona; daughter Kathy Farmer and husband Timothy of Benton, Arkansas; his four grandchildren Emily and Michael Staffo, and Taylor and Connor Farmer; his brother in-law Phil Becker and wife Judy of Fort Plain, New York; niece Susan Fredericks and husband Noel of Schenectady, New York, along with many cousins, sharing a special bond with his cousin Gary over their shared interest in the Staffo family history.

Graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, June 13, at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Alexander, Arkansas under the direction of Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.