Vincent McAloon, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, community leader, and quintessential storyteller, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026. Born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on June 25, 1939, to the late Leo and Agnes McAloon, Vin lived a vibrant life marked by athletic prowess, civic leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and a devotion to the place he called home.

At just seven days old, Vin made his first journey to Block Island, beginning a lifelong story with the island that would become inseparable from his own. Though raised in Pawtucket, he spent his summers on Block Island alongside his siblings, working nearly every job the island had to offer. In his teens, he worked as a beach lifeguard alongside friends Dick Kiley and Mike Mooney, whose camaraderie set the tone for decades of adventures.

Vin attended St. Raphael Academy, where he served as class secretary and excelled in cross-country and track. He continued running at the University of Rhode Island, where he made URI track history by breaking a 22-year-old Meade Field record in the 440-yard dash with a time of 49.0 seconds. A feat rivaled only, perhaps, by his family’s affectionate claim that he also held the “unofficial record” for URI’s longest-standing undergraduate student. At URI, Vin met Meredith Hazard. They married on October 9, 1965—a union that brought his four cherished daughters into the world and forged a lifelong friendship that stayed with them through every chapter of their lives.

After URI, Vin went on to serve in the U.S. Army, stationed in Georgia. Returning home to Pawtucket, he began his career as an educator at Pawtucket West High School. During this time, he pursued local business ventures, including co-owning the legendary Pawtucket nightclubs— The Edge and January’s.

Before long, the pull of Block Island proved too strong, and Vin moved his young family there for good. Vin’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to the community flourished. As an owner of iconic island institutions including the National Hotel, The Yellow Kittens, and The Neptune House, his vision helped shape the modern fabric of Block Island. Perhaps most notably, Vin recognized the historic significance and potential of the National Hotel, transforming it into the iconic landmark that has welcomed generations to Block Island.

Over the decades, he became an indispensable pillar of the island community, holding nearly every title the island had to offer: Chief of Police, Chairman of the Taxi Commission, member of the Planning Board, volunteer EMT on the rescue squad, and leader of the local Democratic Party. As a taxi operator, his philosophy was simple: make sure everyone got a safe ride home—and heard a legendary story along the way. His commitment to the community extended far beyond the titles he held. In the early 1970s, Vin launched an island-wide cleanup initiative, and in 1975, he and fellow officer Paul Riker founded the iconic “Run Around the Block” road race—an island tradition that spanned almost 50 years.

Vin was defined by a razor-sharp wit, a steel-trap memory for island history, a deep pride in his Irish heritage, and a steady appreciation for a pint of Guinness. In retirement, he channeled his enthusiasm into a new passion: becoming arguably the most devoted fan of UConn Women’s Basketball.

Vin is survived by his sister, Nancy Murphy, and his daughters: Kerrie McAloon and her late companion Rob Weintraub; Shannon Merkler and her husband, Bill; Meredith Barber and her husband, Robert; and Kathleen McAloon. He leaves behind five cherished grandchildren: Brendan, Megan, Erin, and Ryan Merkler, and Olivia Barber.

He was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Agnes McAloon; his brothers, Leo "Skip" McAloon II and Terrance McAloon; his sister, Sheila Lemoi; and Meredith Hazard McAloon.

Vin McAloon lived life at a full sprint, left every room brighter and every listener laughing, and loved Block Island with all his heart. His memory will live on in the stories he told, the island he helped shape, and the family he cherished above all else—and his story will continue to be told for generations to come.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield, Rhode Island, then again on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Andrews Church, 23 Chapel St., Block Island, with a funeral Mass to follow at 12:00PM. Reception at the 1661 Inn. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and celebrate Vincent’s extraordinary life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Block Island Rescue Squad.

“I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree

And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow

I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree” - Yeats