Vincent A. Intenzo, business owner, artist, WWII vet

Vincent A. Intenzo, 89, of Havertown, a business owner, an artist, and a decorated World War II veteran, died of complications of Parkinson's disease Thursday, June 16, at home.

In 1952, he opened Ideal Tools & Appliance Service in Chinatown. The firm is now Tool & Equipment Service in Old City, specializing in pneumatic and contractor-grade tools and equipment, and is operated by Mr. Intenzo's son, Anthony. Mr. Intenzo stayed involved in the firm after retiring in 1986.

He studied art at the Sketch Club while growing up in South Philadelphia. He graduated from South Philadelphia High School, where he painted backdrops for theatrical productions.

During World War II, he served in the Army Air Force as a radio operator aboard a B-24. During one of the 22 missions he was on, the plane crashed in Yugoslavia. He and the crew were rescued by resistance members, who hid the airmen until they could return to their base in Italy. He received an Air Medal.

After his discharge, Mr. Intenzo attended Spring Garden Institute and was an electrician for his uncles, who were contractors.

In his later years, he returned to art, and executed detailed pen-and-ink drawings and paintings from his travels out West, said his daughter Anita, an artist. In 1991, he and his daughter had a joint show at Gallery One in Cochranville.

Even after he was found to have Parkinson's disease 13 years ago, he continued to draw and paint, Anita Intenzo said. One of his works hangs in his neurologist's office as an encouragement to patients, she said.

Since 1946, Mr. Intenzo had been married to Aurora Castellano Intenzo. His parents rented an apartment in her family's house on Ellsworth Street in South Philadelphia when they were first married. He was born on the third floor in 1921 and, less than a year later, she was born on the second floor.

In the early years of their marriage, they lived in the same third-floor apartment.

In addition to his wife, daughter, and son, Mr. Intenzo is survived by a brother; five grandchildren; and a great-grandson.

Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 21, and 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 22, at D'Anjolell Memorial Home, 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall. A Funeral Mass will be said at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 108 Shelbourne Rd., Havertown. Entombment will be in SS. Peter and Paul Mausoleum, Marple Township.

Donations may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Presidents Drive, Upland, Pa. 19013.