Dr. Vincent Charles Cibbarelli died on Monday, September 23, 2024, at his home in Keswick, Virginia, of kidney failure. He was 94.

Vin was born in the Bronx, New York, the only son of the late Catherine and Vincent C. Cibbarelli. He was raised in Danbury, Connecticut, and was the husband of the late Beverly Bell Cibbarelli. Bev and Vin were married 52 years. He is survived by two daughters, The Rev. Ann D. Cherry of Richmond, Virginia, and Caren E. Sowa (Fred) of Duxbury, Massachusetts; 5 grandchildren, Lindsey S. Locke (Wes), Christopher F. Sowa of Massachusetts; R. Benjamin Cherry, Matthew D. Cherry and Josiah P. Cherry of Virginia; and two great-grandchildren, Emma S. Locke and Gavin W. Locke (named after Grampy) of Massachusetts.

Vin earned his Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut in Education, his M.A. from Fairfield University, and his B.S. from Western Connecticut State University. He began his career as a 5th grade elementary school teacher in Darien, Connecticut, believing in the power of a single teacher to change the trajectory of lives. He himself was the product of his high school history teacher’s tutelage, who recognized his many gifts, encouraged him to go to college, and then tracked his career until her death. Teachers, he felt, were the power engines of our culture.

Vin’s career spanned some 50 years where he served as an Interim Dean of Education at Longwood College, the Executive Director of the Virginia Association of School Superintendents, an Associate Professor at the University of Virginia, the Deputy Superintendent for the Commonwealth of Virginia, and Superintendent of two school systems—Charlottesville, Virginia and Orange, Connecticut. He was the recipient of numerous honors and fellowships, including being named Orange Man of the Year and the National School Administrators Arts in Education Award. He chaired the Board of Trustees for Westminster-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge and the UVA Task Force for Principal Preparation and advised the Governor’s Commission on Champion Schools. He served on the Board of Directors for WVPT Public Television, the Monticello Area Community Action and United Way, the Chamber of Commerce, Charlottesville-Albemarle Technical Education Center, and the Glenmore Country Club. He also served on the Commission on Secondary Schools for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Board of Trustees for Piedmont Virginia Community College. Vin also served on the Leadership Council for Martha Jefferson Hospital and volunteered at Martha Jefferson in the Cancer Center for many years.

Vin was known for his impact on students through thoughtful educational policies, innovative teacher support, and creative curriculums. He was a “larger-than-life” icon who remained connected to his humble roots. Known not only for his ribbing and teasing, Vin had a genuine capacity to engage and connect, to recognize and call forth gifts in others, and to speak fluently on most topics. He always encouraged us to smile more, listen for understanding, and offer lovingkindness. He was a man of conviction and known for reminding us of these life philosophies: “to be content, not complacent,” “evolution not revolution,” “less is more,” “don’t major in the minors,” and “cherish the past, hope for the future, live in the present.” Vin loved the people, and the people loved Vin. He cherished relationships as a parched person cherishes water. Relationships were his heart and soul. He was grateful to his dear friends like Fred Kopf and Paul Schrecker, and his life with the Matarese family after the loss of his sweet wife. Vin lived a vibrant life, with curiosity, imagination, intelligence, warmth, wisdom and love. His sweet spot was for his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and of course for improving our golf swings and his “Mediterranean” martini.

Vin loved everything about the game of golf. As a lifelong golfer and golf “mentor,” he drove his last drive on his 94th birthday. Through golf, he felt that relationships were fostered and resiliency was built. Mastery of the game was always elusive—delightfully just out of reach. Vin served on the U.S. Army Golf Team during the Korean War. He began his golf career caddying as a very young guy, eager to learn the game because he was so captivated by it.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to be made in his name to either Laurel Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 1280, Glen Allen, VA 23060-1280 (his daughter’s small church), or to the Glenmore ISO Academy to provide youth golf scholarships (a Rotella/Redder Academy), c/o Club at Glenmore, 1750 Piper Way, Keswick, VA 23947.

For more on services and to share your condolences, visit Hill and Wood Funeral Service.