Obituary of Vincent W McIlhenny

Vincent W. McIlhenny was born December 8, 1945, and passed away peacefully in Philadelphia on December 19, 2023 at the age of 78.

Vincent was born to Francis X McIlhenny and Sabina McIlhenny (Sonzogni) in Philadelphia and lived his childhood and young adulthood in the Germantown neighborhood.

Vincent attended Immaculate Conception, and graduated from Cardinal Dougherty High School in 1963. Following high school, Vincent entered St Joseph’s Vincentian Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey. He spent a year there, but often snuck out to go on dates with pretty ladies and nuns. However, the time he spent there laid the strong foundation for his deep sense of Catholic faith and devotion for the Blessed Mother. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at LaSalle University, and later earned his master‘s degree at Temple University.

Vincent worked in the School District of Philadelphia for over 30 years, where he began as a Special education teacher and ended his career as a special education supervisor and vice principal.
Vincent’s passion for education and helping children was boundless. He specifically advocated for students with special needs and has been remembered fondly by countless past students and colleagues.

Upon retirement, Vincent moved to Delray Beach, Florida where he lived for several years before returning home to the Philadelphia area in 2016 to be close with his family.

Vincent was wise, compassionate, and truly one of a kind!  Anyone that he met was left with a lasting impression. He had a great sense of humor, and an uncanny ability to have the entire room erupt in laughter.

Vincent had many hobbies and interests which included biking, swimming (at Temple University pool every morning for several years), fishing, and boxing, especially watching live at The Blue Horizon. Vincent also loved to row and took great pride in his uncles, who were accomplished rowers at the Fairmount Rowing Association.

Vincent loved to travel, and some of his favorite destinations were Sedona, Arizona, Iceland, and Italy. He loved speaking Spanish- or at least his unique version of it. No matter where he was in the world, Vincent assumed everyone spoke Spanish and attempted to converse in Spanish in countries such as Switzerland, China, Greece, and Albania. He was left with many blank stares and shoulder shrugs.

Vincent remained close with many of his childhood friends from Germantown, who were a tight-knit group for over 70 years. He was also blessed with four beloved older siblings who shared his charisma and unique McIlhenny sense of humor. Although Anita, Francis, Eileen, and Sabine predeceased him, he carried on their spirit and often recounted special memories he had with each of them.

Vincent is survived by his daughter Lauren (husband Ben), his son Kevin (wife Natalie), his four grandchildren, who he adored, Benjamin, Sonia, Patrick, and Maura. Vincent loved and cherished his many nieces and nephews, as well. He is also survived by his former wife, Joan and many lifelong friends and extended family.

An Evening Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Jan 10 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Lownes Family Funeral Home 659 Germantown Pike, Lafayette Hill 

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, Jan 11 at 11:00 AM at Saint Philip Neri Church 437 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill

A Morning Visitation will be held on Thursday, Jan 11 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the church before the Funeral Mass

Vincent's Interment will follow the Funeral Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery 626 Bailey Rd, Yeadon

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to https://miraculousmedal.org/