Vincent S. Bavisotto Obituary
Vincent Stephen Bavisotto, 99, passed away peacefully with his wife of 34 years, Judy A. Bavisotto (née Holmes), by his side on June 6th, 2024. He is survived by his wife Judy, daughters Linda (Bill) Lemke, Nancy (Mic) Austin, Susan (Bill) Gehl, son David (Theresa) Bavisotto, and stepsons David (Renae) Conklin and John (Patty) Conklin. He is also survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and his lone surviving sibling, Richard (Jean-deceased) Bavisotto.
He is preceded in death by his first wife Olive Bavisotto (née White), his parents Peter and Lucille (née Phillippone) Bavisotto, brothers Peter (Lou - wife Frieda), Robert (Maria), and sister Rita (Robert) Lumia (née Bavisotto).
After graduating high school at the age of 17, Vince enrolled at the University of Buffalo. Then on January 21, 1943, on his 18th birthday, he was drafted into service for the War. Vince was given a chance to choose which branch to join and he chose to serve in the Navy as his uncle (Jim) was also in the Navy. Vince eventually became a pharmacist mate 3rd class and served in the Asiatic Pacific campaign. He was honorably discharged as a World War II veteran from the Navy on May 31, 1945.
Vince was able to go back to the University of Buffalo and graduated with a bachelor's degree. He then continued his studies at Penn State University and in 1952, he earned a Ph.D. in biochemistry with minors in organic chemistry and microbiology.
Vince married Olive White on August 29, 1954, and subsequently raised 4 children while moving to a few different cities as his career opportunities took him to different companies. In 1955, his career started in earnest at Paul Lewis Labs (acquired by Pfizer) and crafted his vocation to become known for his work with enzymes and ultimately developing research and development labs and quality control systems for both the food and beer industries. In 1967, Vince accepted an offer at Hamm's Brewing even though he had not been trained as a brewer. However, he told himself "A rose, is a rose, is a rose" and "It's just chemistry like anything else". After many years at Hamm's / Heublein, Inc. in MN and CT, he and his family settled down in Oconomowoc, WI after Vince accepted a job with Miller Brewing in 1974 as he would be groomed for taking over the position as vice president of brewing. He was involved in the development of research and development labs, production, and manufacturing plant designs. He had direct involvement in developing many beers, including Miller Lite, and Miller Genuine Draft. Vince also has held many patents and printed publications in his expertise in Chemistry.
Vince married his second wife Judy Holmes Conklin on October 28th, 1989, and retired from Miller Brewing in 1990. He and Judy enjoyed travelling to many parts of the country and world but remained in WI to stay close to their combined family and eventually became 'snowbirds' migrating to Sun City West, AZ to help remain active during the winter months.
Besides his family which he held close to his heart, Vince enjoyed many other things in his long life. Some of his most favorites included his love for sailing, his determination to play golf, and his enjoyment of cooking, grilling, and listening to music (Gershwin was one of his favorite composers).
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 20th, 2024 at St. Charles Church 313 Circle Dr. Hartland, WI from 10 AM until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. Luncheon follows mass at the church. Committal with military honors will be held Friday, June 21st, 2024 at St. Jerome Cemetery, 906 South Concord Road in Oconomowoc, WI 53066 at 10 am.
The family extends a sincere thank you to the staff at Azura (Brookfield, WI) and the Hospice staff from St. Croix for their care and compassion.
In leu of flowers, and in Vince's memory, please make donations to either: American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org.) Stars and Stripes Honor Flight (Stars and Stripes Honor Flight | Honoring Veterans with Trips to Washington, D.C.) Quilts of Valor (Quilts of Valor Foundation |).
