The Town of Wappinger is saddened to learn of the passing of former Superintendent of Highways Vincent Bettina on the morning of October 20, 2020. Supervisor Richard L. Thurston has directed flags at the Memorial Plaza in front of Wappinger Town Hall to be lowered to half-mast. Vinny, as he was known to many, served the Town for more than 20 years.
Mr. Bettina started his public service career in Wappinger in 1996 when he was elected by the residents of the 2nd Ward as their Councilman. As a member of the Town Board, he played a role in the purchasing of Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park for open space, advocated for veterans causes, and worked on bringing Town water to the Chelsea hamlet. He served in this position until 2015 when he was appointed to fill the role of Superintendent of Highways, in which he was later elected to later that year. Mr. Bettina worked to streamline services and highway projects until the end of his service in 2019.
Vincent Bettina also served his community as a member of the Board of Education of the Beacon City School Board, President of the New York State Builder’s Association, and many other organizations. He was born and raised in the Chelsea hamlet and lived within the Town on Osborne Hill Road. He is survived by his fiancé Susan and his sister, Councilwoman Angela Bettina.
On behalf of Supervisor Richard L. Thurston, Senior Councilman William H. Beale, Councilman Christopher Phillips, Councilman Al Casella, Town Clerk Joseph P. Paoloni, Superintendent of Highways Michael J. Sheehan, Town Justice Carl Wolfson, Town Justice Heather Kitchen, County Legislator Joseph D. Cavaccini, County Legislator Lisa Paoloni, and all the officials and employees of the Town of Wappinger; we send our condolences to Councilwoman Angela Bettina, and the rest of the Bettina family during this time. Rest in peace Vinny. You will be missed.
