1940 – 1975 (January 18)
Vincent Altimare was born on February 5, 1940, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Salvatore Altimare and Maria Carmela Rotondaro. He was baptized by Fr. Louis Diorio, O.S.A., at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Church, Philadelphia. In this parish of the Augustinian Vice Province of Philadelphia, Vincent was raised, and from here he entered the Order as a postulant in September 1958. He made his simple profession on September 10, 1961, and was ordained to the priesthood on August 24, 1968.
Father Vincent was first stationed as teacher and prior at Saint Augustine Preparatory School in Richland, New Jersey. In 1971, he became pastor of Holy Name Parish in Camden, New Jersey, and later returned to teaching at Saint Augustine Prep. He was also Director of Vocations and Formation for the Philadelphia Vice Province. During the last 16 months of his life he assisted Fr. Peter Toscani, O.S.A., pastor of Our Lady of Pompeii Parish, East Vineland, N.J. on Sundays and in the parish's catechetical program.
Father Vincent died suddenly on January 18, 1975, of a massive heart attack a few paces from the home of his parents. His lovable personality and priestly dedication endeared him to all who came in contact with him, especially the young men who became candidates for the Vice Province. At the time of his death he was only 34 years old.
Three Masses were celebrated in the churches where he had principally exercised his brief ministry with such fruitful effect. Mass was celebrated on January 20 at Our Lady of Pompeii Parish, Vineland, New Jersey, with Fr. Peter Toscani, O.S.A. as homilist. The following day, Father Peter celebrated Mass at Holy Name Parish, Camden, with Fr. Stephen LaRosa, O.S.A., Headmaster of Saint Augustine Prep, as homilist. The Ordinary of Camden, Bishop George Guilfoyle, spoke words of praise for Fr. Vince, who was one of the Bishop's diocesan consultors.
On January 22, 1975, the Funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr. Richard DeFulgentiis, O.S.A. at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Philadelphia, at which Fr. Peter Toscani preached. Fr. Altimare was interred in Holy Cross Cemetery in Yeadon, Pa., at the request of his elderly and heart-broken parents.
