Vince Raimondo…
15. Aug, 2010 
4 Comments
We were saddened when we learned of the untimely passing of Vince Raimondo…
Vince was a stalwart of the Main Point, starting out there as a volunteer back in the 1970′s while he was in high school, and continuing there until the club closed in 1981. He was inspired by the music he heard back in those days & that opened up a life-long dedication to writing and performing music. But, more than that, Vince was just a great, kind, wonderful guy… He always went out of his way to bring the music to people… His good spirit will be sorely missed!
We asked our friend David Broida, who knew Vince for many years, to share his thoughts with the visitors to our website. David wrote the following:
“Vince Raimondo was, in this order, a friend, a fine and prolific songwriter, a singer with an infectious voice, a guitarist and mandolin player par excellence and a football fan. We depended on Vince to be in our Monday nite circle at The Point. However, during the NFL fall season, Vince’s football mania took over, and to my disappointment, he often abandoned our Monday nites at The Point for an Eagles game, or an even lesser fray with teams from distant cities on the gridiron.
“At our first nite of Open Circle at The Point, in 1998, Vince walked in to familiar surroundings. Right next door, at The Main Point, he’d been a teen volunteer. For the historic several-nites Bruce Springsteen shows in 1973, Vince was at the afternoon sound check. After listening to The Boss sing, he called all his friends to let them know that the shows were not to be missed. Bruce played several sold-out shows each nite; Vince and his friends attended each and every one. Bruce went home to New Jersey after each nite’s shows, but the band stayed here. No hotels for the E-Street Band just yet, they stayed in homes, including Vince’s. And just as good as the shows were (I wasn’t there), they were even better in Vince’s re-telling. Vince saw the future of Rock ‘n Roll even before the Rolling Stone writer (“I’ve seen the future of Rock ‘n Roll, and it’s name is Bruce Springsteen” – Jon Landau, 1974, RS).
“At The Point’s Open Circle, Vince sang many of his over 700 songs he’d written by then. I imagine his total went over 1000 eventually. He was always writing. His songs are personal, poignant, interesting, and a joy to hear from Vince. Each one tells a story, and the story usually has a hopeful twist, just like Vince.
“Vince was generous with his time – I’d pop over to his house on occasion to get help with a song (timing, rhythm, everything Vince knew well and I didn’t). And he faced adversity with courage, patience, and understanding – the loss of his sister, his earlier bout with cancer, and his recent illness, hospitalization and decline.
“I’ll miss Vince, and I won’t be alone.”
- David Broida
True to David’s final statement, several others have contacted us to share their thoughts as well – Here’s a sampling:
“Many many people are better people because of Vince Raimondo – The gifts he helped so many to see in each other will continue.”
- Gus Compson
“Family man, guitarist, composer, friend. Vince distinguished himself at all those things and more. He lived life with infectious enthusiasm and in so doing touched us and taught us much about how to live. I’ll miss him deeply.”
- Marshall Fleisher
“I [knew] Vince for about 20 years, ever since we worked together at WYSP. He was one of the few “human beings” who worked there. We used to talk guitars but never actually played together until a few years ago. There is a closeness that comes from playing music with some people that is hard to explain. A musical friendship can lead to a “regular” friendship but it can be just as satisfying as the other kind with its own unique depth and strengths. Anyone who enjoyed either type with Vince is lucky; those of us who had both were doubly blessed.”
- Rick Allen
If you’d like to include your thought about Vince, please feel free to do so in the “Comments” field below…
Thanks!
A much overdue note of condolence to Vince’s family & friends. I recently found an emblematic photo of Vince playing guitar as part of the Phila. Ad Club’s band during its annual holiday party. I continue to hear so many stories about how Vince embraced & influenced not only friends & colleagues, but the families of those friends. We attended the same high school & had the commonality of working in radio — but no matter when I saw Vince & got to chat with him, most evident was our shared humanity. Such a warm, caring person. Talented beyond his many skills in business. I love that his music remains & his good name endures. I do hope that he’s finally found the “sweet spot”.
Thanks for this page.
Vince was such a special guy, and a just a beautiful human. In so many ways.
He was so incredibly generous and kind hearted. I can always hear his voice, and remember his terrific smile and laugh in my mind, when I think of, or hear certain songs, that he loved to play and sing.
I know that we will always miss Vince, but will keep him alive in our shared memories and friendships, I appreciate all those who also loved Vince, and continue to play his songs.
I’m really saddened to hear about Vinnie’s passing. Worked with him for years at the Main Point way back when, and I can second what everyone says about what a gem he was. What a loss!! To Vince and his family, my prayers are with you.
I’m sitting here listening to “Sweet Spot”, the next song on my “To Learn” list.
I didn’t know Vince the way most people do, I lived in Florida during the time the long-lasting friendships with Vince were developing. What I learned of him, though, is how special those friendships were and still are.
I am now friends with some of Vince’s friends. I have an expectation that these friendships will grow to be like those Vince had with everyone becasue I believe Vince passed on good “stuff” to everyone he met.