Vincenzo Ulivella

Vincenzo Ulivella, age 84, passed away peacefully on March 19th, 2023. Vincenzo was born in Bernalda, Italy on December 6th, 1938 to his mother Filomena Matera and his father, Antonio Ulivella. Vincenzo emigrated to the United States in 1961. Soon after he arrived in Jersey City, NJ he was drafted into the United States Army and served his new country before he even became a citizen. Vincenzo was a proud veteran and became an American citizen in 1964.

As the eldest son, he came home to help support his family after his military service. He worked as a tailor during the day and earned a degree from FIT as a patternmaker at night. He met his future wife, Carole Ann Fischer at a dance at Schuetzen Park in Union City and the rest was history. They married on September 4th, 1966 and started a beautiful life together. 

Vincenzo and Carole were married for 55 years and had two beautiful daughters, Caroline and Elizabeth. They loved to travel and go dancing. Camping up and down the East Coast was a must every summer. In later years, Vincenzo and Carole spent many hours going on cruises and dancing the night away doing the tango, fox trot and the classic waltz. 

Vincenzo worked for fashion designer Geoffrey Beene for over three decades in various capacities, including the head of quality control and production. He eventually worked for Reem Akra as her head of production. His expertise in clothing construction served to benefit thousands of women over the years from Jackie Kennedy and Nancy Reagan in the early days to Angelina Jolie and Lady Gaga toward the end of his career. He was a true artisan who created haute couture women’s clothing for over 40 years. Vincenzo made every garment to perfection. 

Most important to Vincenzo though was his family. He supported his parents, wife, daughters and grandchildren in every way possible. Working from the time he was a child, he learned how to become a tailor in Italy and continued that education after returning from the military. He helped his family establish themselves in a new country and cared for his parents when they were elderly. He cared for his beloved wife Carole until the very end. 

Vincenzo was a loving husband and father who supported his wife and children through his hard work, common-sense wisdom, incredible Italian cooking, gardening tips, medical advice and the many special garments he created for life’s landmark occasions. His family was incredibly fortunate to have him in their lives for so many years. 

Vincenzo loved and was loved. He is survived by his two daughters, Caroline and Elizabeth, their husbands, both named Dan, two grandchildren, Eamon and Anthony and his two brothers, Sal and Richard and sister, Teresa, as well as many nieces and nephews and other extended family. 

Relatives and friends are invited to the viewing at the funeral home on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The funeral will be conducted on Thursday, March 23, 2023.  A funeral Mass will be held at the Church of St. Henry at 10:45 a.m. followed by entombment at Fairview Cemetery, Fairview. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Foundation. 

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