Last Sleigh Ride – Vinnie O’Conner

Santa Vinnie O’Connor has taken his last sleigh ride and we should be joyous that he is without pain. 

This Randy Cook and I was asked to write this for the NORPAC Santas, about my friend and mentor.

What do I say about the Kent Station Santa Claus?  Best way is to tell a story that Vinnie related to me.  But, please hear this story in that Bostonian accent of Santa Vinnie.

Vinnie said” Oh! there was a near riot at the little Santa house last year!  I got sick just before the last night and they found a replacement.  Well; a group of mothers showed up at the last hour with their babies.  They were all yelling “That ain’t The Baby Santa!”

The security and police were called to calm/deal with the mothers.  With expression, Vinnie said “I’m glad I wasn’t in the riot and I feel for the poor replacement Santa!”

Yes, Santa Vinnie was the Kent Station Santa for years and had the nickname “The Baby Santa”.  Because he could calm babies with that Bostonian accent and was known for putting the babies to sleep while in his arms

Now that we have lost Santa Vinnie from our worldly plane, I know he is calming little ones in the next plane at the right hand of God. I am deeply sorry for the loss of your Vinnie, Mary Lee.  I could always see your love for each other shining.  Vinnie was a very special mentor to me and I will miss him very much.

Kent Station’s “Baby Santa”

In lieu of flowers, per the family’s request, and by unanimous approval of the executive board, a donation of $500 was made by NORPAC Santas to Saint Vincent de Paul of Saint Mary’s Church.