Vincent A. DiZinno DDS

Dr. Vincent A. DiZinno, of Rio Rancho, NM, passed away peacefully on February 2nd, 2016. He was 93. He was born in Waterbury, CT and attended Fordham University (B.A. 1948), and Temple Dental School (D.M.D., 1953). After graduation he married his sweetheart Frances Sbordone of Oakville, CT. The couple moved to Washington, DC., where Vincent served his country as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps from 1954 to 1956. During the Korean conflict he earned the National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal, and United Nations Service Medal.
After release from active duty, the couple moved back to Connecticut. Dr. DiZinno established his first dental practice in Oakville, where he remained for 14 years.
During a vacation in New Mexico in 1966, both felt deeply attracted to the environment and culture. After much thought, the couple moved to Rio Rancho, NM, in 1970. Vincent was the first dentist in Rio Rancho and Sandoval County. At the time, the newspaper called him “a 20th century pioneer”. He practiced in this location until retiring in 1993- a total of 38 years of dental practice. In addition to his private practice, he worked with state and federal public health systems to provide dental care for adult and pediatric patients in underserved areas of the state. His commitment to providing oral health care and education to communities in need was a belief he held true to his heart. He often said to family and friends “you must give some time to your fellow man. Even if it’s a little thing, for the privilege of doing it.”
Dr. DiZinno built a prodigious dental practice. His enthusiasm for the profession and constant quest for knowledge and innovation never abated. He felt fortunate to have cared for several generations of some families. He adored his patients and they adored him. His ability to put them at ease and make them feel comfortable was unique. He cared deeply both for his patients and the quality of care he provided to them. Always happy to tell a joke or relay a funny story, laughter was an integral part of his daily life both in the office and at home.
His love of music was a staple of his life and a constant reminder of an earlier era of elegance and civility.  As a young man in his twenties, he felt privileged to play the piano regularly, entertaining the servicemen at the USO in Waterbury, CT, for two years. During the remainder of his life he actively engaged in music pursuits. He played the piano and the organ daily until the final weeks of his life and was always happy to entertain at parties and get-togethers.  In addition to music, Dr. DiZinno was actively involved with the New Mexico Honor Guard, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and served as president of the Lions Club. He was a devout Catholic and member of the Legion of Mary, and the Knights of Jerusalem.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Frances DiZinno, his daughters Kathryn and Carole, grandchildren Jeremy and Scott Stalla, Shaun and Christie Ryan and Tammy Ortega, and six great grand children, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
A service will be held at the Church of the Incarnation (2309 Monterrey Rd NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144) on March 5, 2016 at 10am. Interment directly following at Vista Verde Veterans Memorial Park. To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com  
Daniels Family Funeral Services
4310 Sara Road SE
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
505-892-9920