Obituary of Vinzetta Hedrington

Vinzetta “Vinnie” (Manuele) Hedrington

1936 - 2024

Vinzetta “Vinnie” (Manuele) Hedrington, 87, of Rome, passed away on Monday April 22, 2024, at Betsy Ross Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, with her loving family by her side. She was born in Rome, N.Y., on October 02, 1936, daughter of the late Joseph and Suzie Sgroi Manuele.  Vinnie was educated in Rome schools and graduated from Rome Free Academy, Class of 1955. On February 12, 1955 she married John J. Hedrington in St. John the Baptist Church, a blessed union of sixty nine years, until his passing on January 26, 2024.

Vinnie was employed by the Rome City School District for many years as a Cafeteria Aide.  She was a member of St. John the Baptist Church. 

Before and after retirement Vinnie and John always enjoyed going out to eat, attending movies, and spectating at as many of their children’s, grandchildren’s, and great grandchildren’s sporting and cultural events as possible.  They also went on several bus trips, including venturing to Nashville, New York City, and Branson, Missouri.  Family get togethers were a mainstay of John and Vinnie’s lives.  Visiting family in Wisconsin was also a very special time for both of them.  Everyone would recognize their yard by the swing that they sat in regularly out front and by the decorations they would have out for every holiday. 

Surviving are her children, Sue Rabe (Mark), John Hedrington (Jodi), Tina Giardino, Kathy Jones, and Ann Pohl (Alan), fourteen grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Suzie Manuele, husband John, and brothers, Joseph, Louie and Samuel Manuele and sisters, Anna Vacheresse and Prudence (Honey) Vaccarro.

Vinnie was small in stature and quiet by nature, but her personality was big and loud. She celebrated each and every holiday by not just decorating her home, but herself as well. She had holiday sweaters, purses and even socks, not to mention the flashing and musical jewelry she would light up a room with. Vinnie was fresh and funny and didn’t shy away from being the center of attention. She thoroughly enjoyed buying an abundance of lottery tickets, looking for the big win. She loved her family and adored her husband, John. Vinnie was a doting wife and the two of them were inseparable through all their years together. Her lively spirit, kindness, generosity and sense of humor will be missed.

The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to the entire staff at Betsy Ross Nursing Home, with special thanks to Miranda, Drew and Tina for their kindness, compassion and high standard of care. Also, thank you to Sherry Russell for the countless hours she dedicated to making sure Vinnie was comfortable and attended to, while simultaneously providing companionship and love.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday April 30, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, 210 E. Dominick Street, with the Rev. Paul F. Angelicchio officiating. Family and friends may call at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd, Rome, on Monday April 29, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in Vinnie’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011 or online at alz.org/get-involved-now/donate.

To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com.