Vincent Daniel Gravallese

Vincent Daniel Gravallese, age 88, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on July 6, 1937, Vinnie grew up in East Cambridge, a neighborhood that shaped his character and provided a lifetime of stories he loved to tell. In 1970, he moved to Framingham, where he continued building a life rooted in family, faith, and hard work.

Vinnie attended Cambridge High and Latin School, where he excelled as a gifted athlete. He often reminisced about playing basketball and boxing at the East End Union, riding his bike to the Boston Garden to watch the Celtics and Bruins, and shining shoes in Cambridge as a boy. One of his favorite stories was taking his mother to the 1948 World Series to watch the Boston Braves face the Cleveland Indians—a memory he treasured and told with pride.

A fourth-generation tile and stone artisan in Boston, Vinnie took immense pride in his craft. He believed deeply in doing things the right way, with care, precision, and integrity. A respected leader in the tile union, he served as a mentor and father figure to many, generously sharing his knowledge and guiding others with patience and kindness. He founded V.G. Tile & Marble that served his community for over thirty years. He also proudly served in the National Guard, where he trained as a medic.

Vinnie was devoted to his family and unwavering in his faith—these were the foundations of his life. Vinnie is preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years Marie Gravallese, his brother Ralph John Gravallese, children Ralph Gravallese (Karin),Cheryl Pennie (David),Gina Peine (Bill), Beth Gravallese, his grandchildren Lindsay, Christine, Vinnie, Krista, Joseph, Matthew, Alyssa, seven great grandchildren, his cousin Richard Graham, and many nieces and nephews.

Vincent loved music and sports, and he brought joy wherever he went. He had a rare gift for making people feel welcome, seen, and valued. His smile was infectious, his stories unforgettable, and his presence comforting. Known for his meticulous attention to detail—even when making his legendary “sangwiches,” which were truly unforgettable—he found joy in the small things and taught those around him to do the same.

Above all, Vinnie was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was living proof that true happiness does not come from wealth, but from love, family, faith, hard work, and a life spent helping others. He touched countless lives and brought happiness to everyone he met.

Vincent Daniel Gravallese will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Family and friends are invited to honor and remember Vinnie’s life by gathering for visiting hours in the Norton, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, 53 Beech Street, Framingham on Friday, January 30th from 4-7PM. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Tarcisius Church, 562 Waverly St. Framingham on Saturday, January 31st at 10 o’clock. Interment will follow in Cambridge Cemetery, Cambridge.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Vinnie’s name to the American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/