A beloved resident of Washington community, Vincent Anthony Caluori Sr., has sadly passed away on December 24, 2025, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 87 years old.
From a young age, Vince’s path was shaped by aviation and remarkable resilience. A childhood gift of a model B-24 airplane ignited a lifelong passion. At 11, a severe bout of rheumatic fever required months of bedrest, which he dedicated to building intricate model aircraft. He overcame this illness and displayed extraordinary academic prowess, graduating from high school and entering Parks College at just 15 years old.
Vince earned a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from St. Louis University and became a licensed pilot. He embarked on a storied 34-year career with The Boeing Company, beginning as an engineer in 1962. His work was pivotal on major programs including the B-1 bomber, the space shuttle, AWACS, and the International Space Station, where he ultimately served as Chief Engineer. He later managed Business Development for Boeing’s Space Division, achieving an unprecedented competitive sales record.
After retiring from Boeing at 55, Vince’s adventure was far from over. An avid competitive cross-country skier and endurance cyclist, he traveled the world. Retirement was brief; he was soon called to serve as President and CEO of the game company Wizards of the Coast from 1997 to 2002, providing leadership during a period of significant growth.
Vince is remembered by family and friends as a man of brilliant intellect, deep passion, and inspiring resilience. His journey from a boy building models in bed to a leader in aerospace and gaming exemplifies a life lived with relentless curiosity and joy. He is survived by his loving family, who hold mountains of incredible, joyful memories of a full and adventurous life.
His professional legacy is cemented by his contributions to American aerospace, where his engineering work helped advance space exploration and national defense. His later leadership in the gaming industry showcased his versatile ability to inspire and manage large, creative teams, leaving a lasting mark on two very different fields.