Vincent Anthony Falcone

Below is the death notice of Vincent Falcone, Father of the late Mark Falcone, Class of 1981, Vincent R. Falcone, Class of 1983, and Russell "Rusty" Falcone, Class of 1985. Grandfather of Matthew Wadden, Class of 2025 Please keep the Falcone and Wadden families in your prayers.

VINCENT ANTHONY FALCONE

Vincent A. Falcone was the cherished husband of Dorothy A (nee Dubbs); loving father of Lisa Stetz (Michael), Mark (deceased), Vincent, Paul (deceased) (Patricia), Russell (Debbie), and Susan Wadden (Patrick); proud grandfather of Adam (deceased) Ian (deceased) Gage, Karli, Christopher, Natalie, Reilly and Matthew; dear great grandfather of Carson; brother of Nick and Tim; uncle, cousin and friend to many; passed away Tuesday, April 4, 2023.

Vincent was born on March 12, 1939 at Cleveland at Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Mario and Angela Falcone (nee Selvaggio). Mario was an Italian Immigrant and Angela a first-generation Italian who started their family in Cleveland and ultimately settled in Garfield Heights in 1949. Vince is survived by younger brothers Nick and Tim Falcone. Full of charisma, intelligence and athletic ability, Vincent excelled in school, graduating from Garfield Heights High School in 1956. He was captain of the football team in ’56, Homecoming King and because of his grades and standout football ability, he was awarded a football scholarship to Heidelberg University, where he played center on the offensive line for 3 years before leaving university to start a job in the business that would define his legendary career. Almost 50 years later, Gage Falcone, Vince’s Grandson, was awarded a scholarship to attend Heidelberg and achieved All-American status playing the same position as his grandfather.

Vince was hardworking and driven to succeed. In 1959, he entered the General Motors training program through Central Chevrolet in Cleveland and very quickly became the best-selling salesman. In fact, Vince was doing so well selling cars that he left school to focus on the automotive business. In subsequent years, Vince managed and ran the dealerships of West Park Chevy, Robert Lee Ford and Bill Lake Buick. Even after retirement, Vince couldn’t quit the business and consulted for his childhood friend Tom Ganley and the Ganley Auto Group. To this day, Vince Falcone is recognized as one of the Greats in the car business.

Vince Falcone was a special salesman. He realized that successful selling was about building relationships and not just the bottom line. He spent a lifetime cultivating friendships with customers that defined his approach to sales. He was confident and approachable and could make anyone smile just by shaking hands.

Vince and Dorothy settled in Lakewood, where they raised a combined family of 6 kids. The family created a legacy in the community of neighbors, parishioners at St. Luke and service to Lakewood Hospital. The last 12 years were difficult for Vince and Dorothy, as the deaths of their beloved sons Mark (2011) and Paul (2016); and grandsons Ian (2016) and Adam (2020) added immense grief and sadness to life. Health issues also slowed Vince down, but through all the hardships, Vince and Dorothy remained committed to family and each other. There was no greater love in his life than his wife, who he cherished until his last moment. They were married for 49 years. In his later years, any given summer afternoon would find Vince enjoying quiet moments…sitting on the deck, overlooking the lake, and enjoying his grandkids.

Vince Falcone was larger than life to all that knew him and fiercely loyal to his family and friends. He was fun loving, a born storyteller and the kind of guy that you just wanted to be around. Vince left a lasting impression on all that knew him…and what a legacy he left…and what a life he lived! We invite you to share all the great stories as it will keep Vince alive in our hearts – Sincerely, The Falcone Family.

Visitation at McGorray-Hanna Funeral Home of Lakewood, 14133 Detroit Avenue on Monday April 17 from 2:00 – 7:00p.m. Funeral Mass at St. Luke Church, 1212 Bunts Road, Lakewood OH, 44107; on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 11a.m. The family requests that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to St. Luke’s Church.

Posted on: April 17, 2023