Cilimberg, Jr., Vincent James

Vincent James Cilimberg, Jr., age 97, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2023, at Showalter Assisted Living in Blacksburg, VA. He was born on September 14, 1925, in Richmond, VA to Vincent James and Alma Ahern Cilimberg.

Vince is preceded in death by his wife of 41 years Virginia Gammon Cilimberg, brother Ramon Cilimberg, and sister-in-law Constance Ware. He is survived by his children Vincent Wayne Cilimberg (Lee) of Crozet, VA; Michael Craig Cilimberg (Jill) of Tuscaloosa, AL; Diane Cilimberg Frizzell (Rick) of Blacksburg and grandchildren Justin Cilimberg (Cat) of Thornton, CO; Jared Cilimberg (Kristyn) of Charlottesville, VA; Michael Cilimberg (Kacey) of Vestavia Hills, AL; Matthew Cilimberg of Atlanta GA and Lauren Bolte (Taylor) and Kelly Frizzell, both of Blacksburg. Great-grandchildren Noah and Harper survives him, and several nieces and nephews survive him.

Vincent married Virginia on August 27, 1949, in Richmond. She was the love of his life, passing away on August 29, 1990. He served honorably in both the Navy and the Army from 1942 to 1946 – participating proudly in the Battle of the Bulge – before returning to civilian life and attending college. In 1950, he graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Science in Light Building Construction.

He practiced architecture, culminating as a Partner in Marcellus Wright Cox Cilimberg & Ladd in Richmond before he began his second career as Professor of Building Construction at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg where he served twice as Program Chairman before retiring after 19 years there.

Vince actively participated in the communities he was part of, serving as Deacon and Elder with Lakeside Presbyterian Church in Richmond; as a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA); and serving on and chairing various boards including Three Chopt Recreation Club and James River Aquatic League in Richmond, and the Hokie Club, Blacksburg Sports Club and various academic and athletic committees associated with the University in Blacksburg.

Vince’s family was his ultimate joy, a “big tent” for which he had tremendous pride and great caring for all within. He had a particularly strong passion for Virginia Tech and its academic and athletic accomplishments. Vince will be remembered for his faith, perseverance, sense of humor and ultimate optimism, famously living “just one day at a time!”

A celebration-of-life gathering will be held at 1:00 PM on March 25, 2023, at Blue Ridge Church in Christiansburg, VA. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the Virginia Tech Foundation either for The Hokie Club Scholarship Fund or The Vincent J. Cilimberg Scholarship in the Department of Building Construction and the Myers-Lawson School of Construction.

Special thanks to the nurses and staff at Medi Home Hospice and Showalter Assisted Living, particularly for all the wonderful care they provided in the last several months.