Vincent Alexander Emanuele

Vincent Alexander Emanuele, 81, of Derwood, MD, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2025 from complications of COVID-19.

Born in Washington, D.C., Vincent was the son of immigrants—his mother, Filomena DiCosmo, from Calitri, Italy, and his father, Vincent Emanuele, from Palermo, Sicily.
In March 1966, Vincent enlisted in the U.S. Army. He completed boot camp and advanced individual training at the U.S. Army Signal Center and School in Fort Gordon, Georgia. Shortly after graduating from the Signal Corps School in September 1966, he was deployed to Nha Trang, Vietnam.  For 11 months and 26 days, he served his country with courage, surviving gunfire and mortar strikes — including one that destroyed his unit’s tactical communications center. Though spared physical injury, Vincent was exposed to Agent Orange, a chemical defoliant that would bring lifelong health struggles and disability. He was honorably discharged on March 24, 1969, after fulfilling his tour of duty.

Returning home, Vincent worked in construction while attending classes at night at Ben Franklin University, where he earned his degree in accounting. He went on to become a Certified Public Accountant, establishing his own practice and helping countless small businesses in the area achieve success.

On November 29, 1969, Vincent married the love of his life, Sherine Emanuele, with whom he shared 55+ years of marriage. Together they raised two children, Lisa Adkins and Vincent II. He was a proud father-in-law to Rob and an adoring grandfather to Robert II, Alexander, Rosina, and Angelina.

Vincent was a passionate sports enthusiast — possibly the greatest Washington Redskins, later Commanders, fan ever. His love of baseball led him to spend many years coaching youth teams in Montgomery County. He also gave generously of his time and expertise to the community, volunteering for many years to assist St. Francis of Assisi Church with their accounting and financial needs.

Vincent’s life embodied the values of service and devotion to family. He was wise, caring, supportive, generous, and intelligent — a mentor to many. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his charisma as a storyteller, and the countless lives he touched across all walks of life.

He is survived by his beloved wife Sherine, his children, son-in-law, four grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his three older siblings, Tina Brooks, Frank Emanuele, and Peter Emanuele.

A Wake will be held on Thursday, September 11, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and again on Friday, September 12, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 6701 Muncaster Mill Road, Derwood, MD 20855. A Celebration of Life Mass will follow on Friday, September 12, at 11:00 a.m., also at St. Francis of Assisi. The Interment will take place at 1:00 p.m. at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20906.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Francis of Assisi Church, 6701 Muncaster Mill Road, Derwood, MD 20855; or to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, https://t2t.org/.

As Vincent often said: “Always try to find a way to turn a negative into a positive.”