Vincent M. Polito

Vincent M. Polito

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of

Vincent Michael Polito, age 74, of Mentor, Ohio, who passed

away on Friday, January 23, 2026. Born in Cleveland, he was

the son of the late Vincent and Eleanore (nee Carrabba) Polito.

Vince was the beloved spouse of 47 years to Maria (nee Costanzo);

loving father of Deanna (Greg) Cosimi and Alissa (Sean) Cook;

dear brother of the late Joseph Polito, Rev. Fr. Martin Polito,

Charles (Phyllis) Polito, and Lucia Polito; and favorite brother-in-law

to David (Joan) Costanzo. He was the cherished Papa of Giovanni

and Poppy of Roman, and a dear uncle, great-uncle, cousin, and friend to many.

Raised in Euclid, Ohio, Vince attended St. Robert’s Grade School

and graduated from St. Joseph’s High School. He went on to attend

The Ohio State University and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree

from Cleveland State University. 

In 1977, while working at Holzheimer’s Grocery Store, Vince was

introduced to Maria by her brother, David. They were married in

November 1978 at St. William’s Church by Vince’s brother, Rev. Fr. Marty Polito.

Vince began his career with the Cuyahoga County Probation Department

in 1976 and was appointed Chief of Probation in 1988. Throughout his

two decades as Chief, he received numerous commendations. Following

his retirement in 2008, he remained active in state and national associations.

In 2018, he received the Executive Leadership Award from the Ohio Chief

Probation Officers Association; in 2019, the organization renamed it the

Vincent Polito Executive Leadership Award to honor community corrections

executives who make significant contributions to the profession.

Despite its many heartbreaks, Vince was an avid Cleveland sports fan.

He enjoyed going to car shows and was thrilled to own a convertible,

in which he often took Maria for summer sunset drives. Lunches with

"The Crew", Monday bocce nights and First Friday lunches with his lifelong

friends from St. Joe's also brought Vince great joy. He could often be found

having lively conversations with old friends and serving his community at events

such as the St. John Vianney Festival or the Holy Redeemer Tripe Dinner.       

Above all, Vince cherished time with his family. Whether enjoying Sunday dinners

or family vacations at the beach, his wife, daughters, sons-in-law, and grandsons

were truly his happy place.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00am Monday February 2, at St. John Vianney Church,

7575 Belflower Rd., Mentor. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends at

THE McMAHON-COYNE-VITANTONIO FUNERAL HOME 6330 CENTER ST. 

MENTOR, (NORTH OF RT.2) SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1st ,  1:00 TO 5:00PM.

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