Vincent "Vince" Paul Howanitz

Vincent Paul Howanitz, 60, beloved husband, brother, uncle, friend, Navy veteran, “sheriff,” and “mountain man” unexpectedly passed away on March 12, 2023, from a massive heart attack.

Vince is survived by his loving wife of 12 1/2 years, Sarah; brother, Nicholas (Linda) of Port Orange, FL; sisters, Alice (Ron Miller) of Orchard Park, NY and Pat (Bill Waters) of North Syracuse, NY; supportive in-laws, Gene and Karen Brock of Camillus, NY; sister-in-law, Rachel (Brian Binder) of Marcellus, NY; brother-in-law, Peter Brock (Kristen) of Sedona, AZ; nieces and nephews; extended family; and many surrogate family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicolas and Alice Howanitz; brother, Paul; sisters, Arlene (Peter Griffis) of Coral Springs, FL and Anne (Terry Borne) of Olympia, WA.

Vincent was born December 30, 1962, in Auburn, NY, the youngest of 7 children. He enlisted in the US NAVY on delayed entry in high school. He had an accomplished military career with the Seabees. He was stationed many places in the pacific including Guam and Japan. He immersed himself in the culture and uniqueness of each location and continued his love for cultural learning throughout his life. He was a proud and patriotic American, often wearing an American flag bandana as an outward sign of his commitment to our nation.

Vinny had a love for God and held strong to his Christian beliefs. He was very steadfast and never wavered in his beliefs and commitments. He had a dedication and love for his wife that far exceeded anything else in his life. YA TABA LUBEW.

He had a larger than life personality, he was outgoing, made friends easily, a jokester, and loved to talk! He was a hard worker, provider, protector, had a big heart, and genuinely wanted to help others. Often very opinionated, Vinny would stand on what he believed. He was never afraid to speak his mind. Friends knew him as a great cook, infectious sense of humor, and a very detailed storyteller.

An avid car and motorcycle enthusiast, Vinny enjoyed many motorcycle trips or iron butt rallies around the contiguous United States in his younger days. Furthering his love for travel, Vinny and his wife, Sarah had many excursions in their diesel motorhome, learning and discovering so much about this great country. Affectionately called “Vinny and Sarah on the mountain,” they were living their dream in a big timber cabin off-the-grid in the mountains of Montana with their two big dogs, Brutus and Maximus. He became known as “sheriff” on the mountain due to his ability to confront outsiders and protect his community.

Whatever subject matter he was interested in, Vinny would learn all he could, often sharing what he’d learned with others. Whether it was his love of nature, astronomy, bird watching, insects, snakes or even tarantulas, Vinny would often act like a little kid just enjoying every moment with pure excitement.

A celebration of life service will be Friday, June 9, 11am, Montana State Veteran Cemetery, Fort Harrison, Helena, Montana. Potluck reception to follow.