Vincent Tancredi, 81, passed away January 2, 2015 in St. George, Utah.

Vincent's lifelong passion was playing the drums. He started playing the drums as a child and made his first record at 19 years old with the jazz trio "The Three Dukes"; its members were Vincent Tancredi (drums), Ronnie Feskanin (piano) and John DiPalma (bass). The Three Duke's recording of "Hey Mrs. Jones" was pressed for Jack Gale's Triple A Records. The new release was Triple A's debut in R & B and was considered a "good version of the lively tune now riding high" according to Billboard on February 28 1953. The trio broke up soon after but Vince Tancredi continued playing jazz music and performed with many other talented Cleveland artists, including jazz pianist and educator, Judi Strauss.

Vince Tancredi last worked as a member of the popular Cleveland band "The Gigolos" featuring longtime friends, Tony Lopardo, Teddy Losido and the late Larry Salvatore and Pasquale Buccilli. Fans have come to realize that the Gigolos were the frontrunners to The Scintas. The Gigolos thrilled crowds throughout Northeastern Ohio with their musical talents and hilarious, Italian spiced floor shows. The Musical Gigolos played for many fans until the death of bandleader, Pasquale Buccilli, in 2006.

As a young musician in the fifties, Vince met and fell in love with Joanne Fiorelli who resided with her grandparents, Angelo and Grace Caruso, in the Collingwood neighborhood of Cleveland. Vince and Joanne eloped to Angola, Indiana, a popular wedding destination of the time, on February 11, 1955, just before Vincent entered the Navy.

Vince returned from the Navy with machine operator skills and worked on the construction crew to build a new Metroparks golf course named Shawnee Hills in Bedford Ohio. Vince Tancredi was promoted to Superintendent of Shawnee and later retired, after 28 years. Vince was a member of the Northern Ohio Golf Course Superintendents Association and served as the Editor and Photographer of the Turfgrass News from 1972 through 1978

Vincent held conservative political views and spent some exciting times working on political campaigns, with Joanne including the tumultuous 1964 Presidential Campaign of Barry Goldwater. During their 23 year marriage, they raised three children, Dana, Nicholas and Dara, all graduates of Nordonia Hills High School. As a parent, Vince enjoyed coaching baseball to his players who affectionately referred to him as "Mr. T" and volunteered as President of the Nordonia Hills Athletic Association until 1977.

After his retirement in 1983, Vincent moved back to the South Collinwood a Cleveland neighborhood. Vince spent his retirement in restaurant and catering at the Northpoint Athletic Club, HGR Industries and volunteering with the Wickliffe North Lions Club. If cooking was required, you could count on Vince Tancredi to fill the need. Vince also enjoyed playing in the Holy Redeemer bocce league and visiting with Mark Mirabile and friends at Mirabile's Restaurant on Ivanhoe.

He is survived by his beloved three children, Dana Ekstrand, Dara Tancredi (m. Timothy Grogan) of St. George, Utah; and Nicholas Tancredi of Houston, Texas. Vince was an enthusiastic and loving grandparent to his three grandchildren, Evan Ekstrand of Ohio, Regina and Timothy Grogan of Utah, all of whom survive him.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Southern Utah Veterans Home for the excellent care Vincent received during his life there.   Private reception will be held at the Southern Utah Veterans Home. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Southern Utah Veteran's Home.