Vincent Michael Pupillo, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at the age of 71 in Saint Louis, Missouri, on August 12, 2025.
Born on July 28, 1954, in St. Louis, Missouri, to his loving parents, Salvatore and Grace (née Orlando) Pupillo, Vince was baptized into the Catholic faith and raised in Crestwood, Missouri, alongside his five brothers and two sisters. He was a proud 1972 graduate of Lindbergh High School.
He dedicated over 50 years to his career as a produce salesman at the St. Louis Produce Market, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, father, and uncles. From his earliest days, buying and selling tomatoes, to his final visits to the market, Vince’s work was more than a livelihood; it became an inseparable part of who he was. Working alongside his brothers, cousins, and lifelong friends, he built relationships that went far beyond business. Known for his generosity of spirit and unmatched knowledge of the trade, he gave countless people a chance, mentoring them with patience, kindness, and sometimes tough love. Many in the market credit Vince with shaping their careers and changing their lives as he freely shared his wisdom, work ethic, and heart with everyone who crossed his path.
In 1982, Vince married the love of his life, Susan Pupillo (née Sturma), and their love story was renewed in 2008, a beautiful testament to their unshakable devotion. Vince loved Sue with a depth and steadfastness that few ever experience, a love evident to all who knew them. Though untraditional at times, their passion never wavered or faded to the end.
Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and unconditional love, raising six children and welcoming 14 amazing grandchildren who became his greatest joy and renewed sense of purpose. Vince gave everything he had to his family, working tirelessly to provide for them, protect them, and guide them. He was also a father figure to many beyond his own children and grandchildren, freely offering his wisdom, kindness, and laughter to all who were blessed to be part of his life.
Known as a true salt-of-the-earth man, he had a gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and loved. His wisdom, humor, and guidance enriched the lives of all who knew him, and his presence lit up every room he entered.
Vince is survived by his wife, Susan Pupillo; his children, Angelina (née Pupillo) Moehlmann and Scott Shively, Melyssa Pupillo, Matthias and Kathryn Pupillo, Jacob Pupillo and Elizabeth Howell, Jordan Grace and Matthew McDermott, Tayler Kuper and Marc Thompson; and his 14 grandchildren, Olivia, Joseph, Oscar, Malik, Sophia, Molly, Zoey, Vincent, Ava, Amelia, Jack, Colin, August, and Marigold.
He is also survived by his devoted siblings Neno and Janis Pupillo, Salvatore and Rozy Pupillo, Steve and Jan Pupillo, Rosalie Homire, Johnny and Judy Pupillo, Thomas Pupillo, and Mary and Bob Reckart: his brothers and sisters in law, Leslie Lewis, Margaret and Eugene Buettner, Patrick and Judy Sturma, Paul Sturma, and Kenny and Julie Sturma and by a large and loving extended family, including cousins, godchildren, nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, and a lifetime’s worth of dear friends who were like family to him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Salvatore and Grace Pupillo; Mother-in-law, Eldoras Susan Sturma; his cousins, Buddy Pupillo, Tony Cammarata, and Janice (Ridolfi) Ingersoll; his brothers-in-law, Rick Homire and Jerry Gahn; and his dear friends, Joseph and Patty Mancuso, and Tony Townsend.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 17, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Kutis Funeral Home, 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd, St. Louis, MO 63129. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 18, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church, 9740 Sappington Road, Sappington, MO 63128. Vince will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery & Mausoleum, 5239 W Florissant Ave, St. Louis, MO 63115. A reception will follow around 3:00 p.m. at Favazza’s on the Hill at 5201 Southwest Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63139.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Vince to the VJ Mancuso Memorial Fund at https://vjman.org/ and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri at https://give.bbbsemo.org/give/341737/#!/donation/checkout
This world was blessed to have Vince in it. He lived out his love and faith in the service of others every day of his life. With his whole heart, he made everyone he met feel like a friend and loved one. He will be deeply missed by all the lives he touched, but his love, laughter, and legacy will live on forever.