Vincent Maury unexpectedly passed away on September 13, 2016. Born to Otona Seidlecki and Franklin Maury on August 23, 1944 in Reading PA, he was named for his great uncle, Walter Vincent, who was President of The Actor’s Fund of America for eighteen years. He descends from Matthew Fontaine Maury, the great navigator of the sea. Both men influenced two of his greatest enjoyments: entertaining and fishing. Vincent attended Choate Preparatory School and graduated from Coral Gables High School in Coral Gables FL. He attended Stetson University and the University Of Miami (FL) where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and received a B.A. degree in Radio, Television and Film. Later, he received a Master of Science degree in English Education from Nova Southeastern University. As an educator, Vincent began as an English teacher in Panama City FL for two years. Upon moving to Miami FL, he served for 30 years as a teacher of Public Speaking, Debate, Vocabulary and English at Coral Park Sr. High, where he also enjoyed coaching tennis. In addition, he taught Public Speaking at Miami-Dade Community College and was an instructor of English Education for the GEM program at Nova University. As a professional performer, he was an announcer for WVCG, a classical station, and a disc jockey on WOAH, a country music station. He also did many commercial voice-overs for Miami Jai Alai and Live Oak Home for the Aged, as well as for local businesses and radio stations in Panama Beach FL; he also had been a live announcer for marine animal shows at the Miami Seaquarium. More recently, he did voice-overs for commercials on VNN and WVLG in The Villages FL and a commercial for Clockwork Home Services by DNA Viral Video. Over the years he performed a variety of characters, both tragic and comedic, in many community theatre productions in the Miami-Dade area; and with his move to The Villages, in numerous plays and productions for The Villages Theater Company, Lake Miona Theatre Group and The Villages Old Time Radio Players. His talents and artistry extended beyond the footlights, as he was known to be an excellent, creative chef who shared his love through the food he prepared for others. And, unknown to many, Vincent was also an essayist, writing descriptively about poignant moments and interesting people and loved ones. Whether it was on the tennis court, the golf course, in the classroom or the kitchen, he had the reputation everywhere he went as the man with the most magnificent voice. Known as “The Voice of the Coral Park RAMS,” he used his gift to emcee many school and community functions and narrated the video which secured a $500,000.00 grant for the high school. He loved and dedicated himself to St. George Episcopal Church where he found and truly developed his love of the Lord. He served in many capacities, such as: the capital campaign to build the church, the vestry, as lector and usher, and in searches for a rector. In 1968 he received the Voice of Democracy Award presented from the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and in 1999 the United Way Superintendent’s Leadership Circle Award. Full of fun, Vincent reveled in recalling some of the famous people he encountered through his Uncle Walter. Vincent’s favorite anecdotes include being frightened at the hospital by Alfred Hitchcock who was attempting to comfort him after an appendectomy; and winning at a game of tennis with Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, who, although Sheen lost, looked ever the fashion plate in a white scarf and white trousers. Vincent was a handsome gentleman, charitable, caring and kind; a leader and a team player; sensitive, yet strong. He lived in the present, fully trusting in God for any outcome. He will be greatly missed by all who met him. He has left a void for all who loved him. Vincent is survived by his loving wife Ruth Ann, sister Lynne Davis (husband Van), Ruth Ann’s brother Dr. E.H. Todd Hellwig (wife Sharyn), nephew Ross Hellwig, and Goddaughter Tanja Bennett and family. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Vincent’s life will be held at St. George Episcopal Church at 11:30am on Tuesday, October 11, 2016. The committal will follow in the Memorial Garden at the church. Guests are welcome to attend the committal or to proceed directly to the Parish Hall for refreshments. Donations in loving memory of Vincent may be made to St. George Episcopal Church, 1250 Paige Place, The Villages FL 32159 or to the charity of choice.
