Greg Vincent was already a well-respected community leader when he retired to Manatee County from Medina, Ohio. As the owner of a plastic manufacturing company, he had served as an officer in the Jaycees (Junior Chamber) and sat on the boards of his local United Way, hospice, library, and Chamber of Commerce. Upon relocating to Manatee County, Greg dedicated nearly all his volunteer time to Manatee County Habitat for Humanity, becoming a cornerstone of our community efforts from approximately 2011 to 2020.

A friend of Dick Amesbury, Greg quickly immersed himself in Manatee Habitat. As his wife Debbie describes it, he was “all in from the start.” Greg’s commitment was evident as he spent countless hours working on Habitat homes, developing deep friendships, and honing his “fixer” skills. His dedication led him to serve on the board and contribute generously to our mission of providing homes for families in need.

Greg and Debbie Vincent, whose unwavering support and dedication to Manatee Habitat for Humanity have left an enduring legacy. Greg’s nearly decade-long volunteerism and generous contributions continue to impact the lives of families in need.

Bruce Winter, a member of the Manatee Habitat construction team, fondly recalls Greg’s unwavering willingness to do whatever was needed. Known for his sense of humor, Greg was beloved by fellow volunteers, staff, and homeowners alike. Long-time volunteer Kathy Shjarback remembers, “He was very dedicated and fun to be around. He was also very particular about his tools, insisting on proper storage so he could always find them the next time.”

Tragically, Greg was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago and passed away in June 2022, surrounded by his family. Although Greg and Debbie have contributed generously to Manatee Habitat over the years, his most enduring legacy may be his practical generosity: he donated all his cherished tools to our construction team. These tools continue to build homes for deserving families, a fitting tribute to Greg’s nearly decade-long commitment to our mission.

As we celebrate Manatee Habitat for Humanity’s 30th anniversary, we honor the dedication and contributions of volunteers like Greg Vincent. Their selfless service and passion for our cause have been instrumental in our success over the past three decades, and their legacy lives on in the homes and communities they helped build.