FARMINGTON – Vincent A. McInnis passed away peacefully on June 24, 2009 in Farmington at Sandy River Center for Healthcare, where he had been a resident for the past few years, with his family by his side.
He was born on January 3, 1922 in Fairfield, Maine, to Marcella (McCabe) and Allan McInnis. Vincent was an only son brought up among five adoring sisters and hardworking immigrant parents from Prince Edward Island, Canada. He attended local schools and excelled at sports at Lawrence High School. He went on to school at Ithaca College, served his time honorably overseas in World War II, and graduated in 1950 a star athlete in football and baseball.
The nickname “Stuffy” was generated during his Triple A baseball days and stayed with him throughout his life. He married Jean Marie Clemons from West Sullivan, Maine, on Dec. 27, 1951. They went on to have nine boisterous children who all continued on with his love of sports or outdoor activities in some way.
Education was his life-long calling. He was a physical education teacher and coach in the high schools of Jay, South Portland, and Waterville for many years. Former players from his early years still fondly call him “Coach” when meeting him in public 50 years later. Vincent then transitioned into principalship, presiding over Anson and Wilton Academies in the 1960s. The last chapter of his life teaching was spent working for the Department of Education in Augusta. Throughout his career he remained active with the Maine State Principals’ Association, Boy Scouts of America, Knights of Columbus, and as a Commissioner of Little League Baseball. More importantly, he stayed involved with all the activities of raising nine children successfully into adulthood.
He is survived by his wife, Jean McInnis; son Marcus and wife Maria; daughter Kimberley and husband Bruce Stinson; son Jon; son Allan and wife Kiran; daughter Maureen and husband Bernard Predham; daughter Kelly and husband Mitch Hamilton; daughter Meg and husband Robert Kowolik; daughter Kate and husband Michael Richard; and son Michael; 20 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Vincent also has four surviving sisters Lillian Macaluso, Millicent Cilley, Beatrice Bolduc, and Bernice Quinlin. A grateful thank you goes out to a special nephew Kenny Sanders who has cared after him tenderly in his declining years.
A memorial mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1 at St. Joseph’s Church in Farmington with Father LeQuin officiating. A small reception will be held after services for sharing and condolences. Arrangements under the direction of Adams-McFarlane Funeral & Cremation Services, 108 Court St, Farmington. On-line condolences may sent to the family via the funeral home Web site www.adamsmcfarlane.com.
