Vincent P. Poloney passed away peacefully in his sleep at Lancaster Nursing and Rehab home in Lancaster on Monday, March 7, 2022.
Vince was born on March 4, 1955, in Cheverly, Maryland. Vince moved to Pennsylvania with his parents in the late 50s where they settled in Annville.
As a young man, Vince moved into a group home in the northern part of Lebanon County and eventually settled at Laurelton State School and Hospital in Laurelton, Pennsylvania. There he was active in all kinds of activities at the school and in the Laurelton / Mifflinburg Community, particularly in Special Olympics winning many medals in swimming, running, and bowling. Everybody knew Vince because his personality was larger than life.
When community-based options for people with intellectual disabilities became available, Vince moved back home to Lebanon County enjoying being close to his family and once again becoming active in the local community.
He was involved in a variety of day programs but his great love was working at Hope Springs Farm in Dauphin County. He thoroughly enjoyed his time there and became a real farmer in their community.
Ultimately everyone remembered him, and he remembered everyone. Vincent could make you laugh and lived life fully. His love of the beach, nature, butterflies, and birds, and playing games with family and friends was always a great joy and so fun to share. In his later years when he was confined to a wheelchair or his bed in the nursing home, he still touched the people who came into contact with him by his sense of humor and beautiful acceptance of whatever life sent his way. He loved to visit with family and especially reminisce over many photo albums and remember all the fun he had in his life.
Vincent’s parents were Peter and Patricia Poloney who passed away in 2019. He is survived by six siblings, Patrick Poloney and his wife Terri, Annie and her husband Dave Larsen, Teresa and her husband Jim Knipper, Alice and her husband Charlie Rulapaugh, Mary and her husband Jim Langan, and Helene and her husband Dave Gaydos, and many, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and great-nieces and great-nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 125 South Spruce Street, Annville, Pennsylvania on Friday, March 11th at 2 pm. There will be a period of visitation at the church from 1 to 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hope Springs Farm at 201 Trail Rd, Hershey, PA 17033 in Vince’s name.
