[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 157 (Sunday, November 9, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S12406-S12407]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO DAN VECE, SR.

 Mr. DODD. Mr. President, within every town in the country, 
there are a small handful of families or individuals whose achievements 
and contributions to their community are so extraordinary that they 
become as much a part of the town's landscape as Main Street, the Court 
House, or City Hall. The Vece's are such a family in the town of 
Clinton, CT.
  For decades, Vece family members have been on town boards and 
commissions, working on countless charity and civic events. The Vece 
family's contributions to town life were even honored in 1995, when the 
Pierson School gazebo was renamed the Vece Gazebo. But the greatest 
illustration of what this family meant to the vitality of this small 
New England shoretown could be seen once a week at a local restaurant. 
Each Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. for the past 16 years, a diverse group of 
patrons would gather at Bill's Seafood Restaurant to enjoy the music of 
Clinton's favorite band. The people of Clinton loved coming out and 
singing the songs that they all knew, but what they loved most was the 
band's leader--Dan Vece, Sr. What set Mr. Vece apart from other 
bandleaders was not the great musical skill with which he played the 
banjo. What made Dan Vece so special was his zest for life. That, and 
the fact that he was over 100 years old.
  Seeing Dan Vece on stage wearing his trademark sailor's cap and 
picking at his 1919 Gibson banjo, served to remind countless people 
that life was meant to be enjoyed. He served as an inspiration to 
anyone who was fortunate enough to meet him. Sadly, on September 23, 
1997, Dan Vece, Sr. died at the age of 101.
  Dan Vece, Sr. grew up and lived in New Haven, CT until he enlisted in 
the Army during World War I. After being discharged from the Army, he 
returned to New Haven where he married his wife of 68 years, Tilly 
Tullo. Together they moved to Clinton in 1919, where they operated a 
retail plumbing store and service. In addition to his business, Mr. 
Vece was one of Clinton's first police officers and served as a 
fireman, beginning the longstanding family tradition of public service. 
Mr. Vece enjoyed working and didn't retire until he was 80 years old, 
and he continued doing odd jobs until he was 88. He played golf until 
he was 96, and drove a car until he was 98, transporting senior women 
to the grocery store. Dan Vece was involved in countless activities, 
but his true passion was always his music.

[[Page S12407]]

  He had no formal musical training, but he taught himself to play most 
any musical instrument that he could get his hands on. His wife was a 
trained musician and together they formed a band with Tilly on piano 
and Dan on the drums. They played together at the ice shows in Clinton 
and all the big jobs from New Haven to New London. And after each gig, 
they always loved to go out dancing.
  Eventually, Tilly retired from performing, but Dan carried on and 
fronted a band that played at restaurants and resorts along the 
Connecticut shoreline, various jazz festivals, nursing homes, schools, 
and of course Bill's Seafood Restaurant on Sunday evenings. Whenever 
anyone asked why he was still performing, Mr. Vece would always say 
that his doctor told him that music was the best medicine and he should 
keep on playing as long as possible.
  Well, Dan Vece followed his doctor's orders, and as a result he 
brought happiness into the lives of countless individuals. Dan Vece, 
Sr.'s good humor, devotion to his community and remarkable vitality 
made him a beloved figure in Clinton and throughout Connecticut. He was 
loved and revered by all, and he will be dearly missed.

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