Vincent J. Femenella

August 25, 1948 ~ June 29, 2024

Vincent J. Femenella, 75, of Newburgh passed away on June 29, 2024. He was the oldest child of Laura (Panzica) and Rocco Femenella. Vin graduated from Bishop Loughlin High School in Brooklyn and attended Queens College. He was a cross country runner and played weekly football and baseball with neighborhood friends.

He served in the NYS National Guard and attained a rank of E8 before he was honorably discharged. He was known to tell inspecting officers to take their foot off HIS gun.

Vin worked for many years as a clerk on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. After moving to Rockland County in 1985, he was employed by Orange and Rockland Utilities, retiring in 2008 as a first class plant operator at Bowline Point Power Plant. He had his finger on the button and his calmness during emergencies was notable.

He also loved the outdoors. An expert skier, he skied all over the world. He was a PSIA level 11 Alpine and Adaptive instructor and taught for over 25 years at the Adaptive Sports Program (Volunteer Instructor of the Year) and the Snowsports School at Windham Mountain. He was twice invited to attend summer adaptive ski clinics at Mount Hood in Washington State with other adaptive teams. He was a natural teacher and his passion, deep knowledge and understanding of skiing made every  lesson fun and memorable.

He loved to fly fish and made his own fly rods and lines. He fished the Delaware, Beaver Kill, and the Penobscott River in Maine. He was also a proud member of the Hi-lo Hunting Club, serving as President and Secretary. He enjoyed many deer seasons at their hunting camp. Each fall he would hunt pheasant and turkey at Stewart National Forest with his trusty companions, Belle, Buddy, and Roscoe. His in-depth knowledge of Stewart was expanded by mountain biking its many trails. It was truly his happy place.

He was a member of the NRA and Master Class Shooting Range in Monroe. His knowledge of firearms and ammunition was amazing. Vin was an avid reader and a student of history and political science. He would amaze friends with his extensive knowledge, memory, and understanding of society and history.

After retirement he travelled, skiing in Austria, an occasional cruise to the Bahamas, Bermuda, Nova Scotia, and Alaska. Vin loved the Mets and Rangers, and was a long-time season ticket holder of the Giants.

Vin married his cohort in crime, Carol Pfeuffer Femenella in 1971. Their beloved son, Anthony (AJ), was born premature in 1987. For the next 17 years new outlooks, experiences, and adventures were in store for this family.

Vin is survived by his wife, Carol; his cat, Shadow; his sister-in-law, Roseanne Pfeuffer; nieces, Chrissie (Rob) Basham, Diana (Chris) Harreus, Ashley and Jennifer Ramos; and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was predeceased by his beloved son, AJ; parents, Rocco and Laura Femenella; mother-in-law, Patricia Taylor; brother-in-law John Pfeuffer; and sister-in-law, Susan Ramos.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Greystone Programs, 700 South Dr., Suite 203, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533; or Adaptive Sports Foundation, 100 Silverman Way, Windham, NY 12496.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date.