Obituary of David A. Vacco

With grieving hearts we announce the sudden passing of our beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew and friend, David A. Vacco on October 6th, 2022. We were blessed to have 44 years with Dave and his absence is felt heavily in all the hearts and lives of the people he touched. Dave is survived by his parents Dominick and Marie Vacco, his brother Daniel (Rachel) Vacco and his most beloved nephews Dominick and Augustin Vacco. 

With our deepest gratitude the Vacco family would like to thank Adam and Stephanie Ellsworth for their matchless love and constant support for Dave through the years. You loved him like family and now you are forever part of ours. 

David was a graduate of Geneseo University, Oregon State University, and also obtained a Ph.D from Penn State University, where he coached for the boxing program. Dave had many interests and passions, including boxing, art, comedy and fishing. 

While he is no longer with us, David’s impact on the people who knew and loved him is far reaching. We will remember him as the passionate coach, friend and mentor. We will remember him as the favorite playmate of his nephews, eager to hunt monsters and fight dragons, or stop and paint a treasure map. We will cherish the memories of sitting on the dock fishing, driving too fast in the boat and enjoying the peace of the 1000 islands.  We will remember him laughing and we hope you do too. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you take the opportunity to pay kindness forward in some way, big or small, in honor of Dave. If you would like to make a financial contribution to a charity, please consider the Wounded Warrior Project or your own favorite charity. 

"Be kind, because everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about"