Cape Cod Senior Softball League

Vince is survived by his long-time partner Helen Beksha, his two boys Bryan and Matthew, his daughters-in-law Mindy and Monique, his step-children Edward, Casey and Lisa, and his 9 grandchildren Aiden, Ciara, Jack, Sean, Nathan, Gavin, Fiona, Christian and Marigold. He loved nothing more than spending time with his grandchildren.

Vince was born on April 18th, 1939 in Charleston, WV, the 2nd of five brothers born to Theophilus Wallen (“TW”) and Mary K. Scales. John, Vince, Bill, Tom and Don each blazed their own impressive path beyond the borders of West Virginia.

During his childhood, Vince attended Charleston Catholic High School where he was a 2-sport varsity athlete in basketball and baseball, going on to accept a baseball scholarship at Ohio University. After college, Vince split time playing professional baseball in the New York Mets minor league system while also serving time in the Marines. He played 3 seasons in the Mets organization, primarily as a pitcher, finishing at AA Williamsport in 1964.

After baseball, Vince moved on to a career in the private sector in retailing. He worked for Sears Roebuck & Co for nearly twenty years before taking management and consulting roles at both BJ’s Wholesale Club and then Dunkin Brands.

Later in the 1960’s Vince married Barbara Howerton where they had two sons, Bryan and Matthew, who were raised in Medway, MA. In Medway, Vince was known for coaching his boys in soccer, basketball and baseball. His home at 27 Pond Street was the site of innumerable wiffle ball, soccer, basketball and deck hockey games, a go-kart track, summer lounge sessions by the pool and an annual Labor Day party. Vince meant so much to so many people in Medway, friendships that he cherished. It is also where he met Helen.

Near retirement, Vince and Helen moved to Eastham, MA where they started a wonderful new chapter in their lives. Vince was a mainstay on the Cape Cod Senior Softball circuit, both in town leagues and on travel teams that played in tournaments around the country. He was equally devoted to his tennis game and to those with whom he had the pleasure of taking the court. He was on the court with his spinning lefthanded serve nearly to the day of his passing. And while he was not a golfer, he spent the majority of his retirement years working at the Captain’s Golf Course in Brewster as a starter, ranger, driving range picker, and occasionally unofficial mayor. He loved that course and the entire community that surrounded it.

Most importantly, “Papa” loved his family. Nothing meant more to him. He and Helen attended as many games, concerts, birthday parties, graduation ceremonies and any other activities for their grandchildren as they could. And, of course, hosting his kids and grandkids for summer vacation in Eastham……it didn’t get any better.

While he will be missed, we are incredibly grateful and thankful for his 83 great years. Vince’s visitation will be held on Sunday, Dec 18th from 1 to 3 pm at the Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans, MA.

Following the service, a Celebration of Life will take place at the Hog Island Brewery at 28 West Road in Orleans, MA beginning at 3pm.

For online condolences please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com