Vincent Joseph Como
July 22, 1929 – September 28, 2022
It is with great sadness that NASBP announces the passing of long-time NASBP activist and Past President, Vincent Joseph Como, age 93, of Monroe, CT, who co-founded NASBP member Como & Nicholson, Inc. Vince passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on September 28, 2022.

Today the Association and surety industry continue to benefit from several undertakings Vince led when he was an active NASBP member and served as President from 1975-1976. Vince was instrumental in the creation of the NASBP Surety School; and under his direction, teaching manuals and a curriculum for teaching suretyship were created. The first School took place in early 1973 in Hartford, CT.

Also about a decade later, when computer technology was only in its infancy, Vince felt strongly that the Association should focus on using technology to help NASBP members manage their construction clients’ financial information. In 1985 Vince co-chaired with Dave Skillings the then NASBP Automation & Technology Committee. Under their leadership, the Committee provided NASBP members a software, Suretytech, to assist with maintenance and analysis of contractor surety files, financial data, and management of contractor accounts. The work of Chris Como, Vince’s son who is with Como & Nicholson, Inc. and active with NASBP; Vince; Dave Skillings; Martin Huber; and consultant Lambda Data Systems, Inc. enabled NASBP to introduce Suretytech to NASBP members at a discounted price of $1200.

Vince began his career with Aetna insurance and later co-founded Como & Nicholson, Inc. Vince served as NASBP President, Board member, and chairman of several NASBP committees. He was also involved in the Utility Contractors Association of Connecticut, Board member of the Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers, Executive Committee member of the National Construction Industry Council–to name a few. Throughout his career, Vince and his wife, Pat, were active in the Association and industry events and meetings. Many NASBP members recall how much the Comos enjoyed socializing and connecting with NASBP colleagues of all ages, including the young producers who had recently joined the Association at the time and who later served in leadership roles in the Association.

After retirement, Vince remained in touch with his numerous friends in the industry, which included NASBP Past Presidents, other producers, and underwriters. He was committed to attending the annual NASBP Past Presidents’ dinner, which is held during the NASBP Annual Meeting. He was ready to volunteer again in 2016 when NASBP was reaching out to Past Presidents for information about NASBP’s past for the NASBP 75th Anniversary. Vince came to NASBP headquarters in Bethesda, MD, to be video-taped in his suit and tie and proudly wore the watch NASBP presented to him decades ago. Always the visionary, he brought stacks of photos of NASBP members and their spouses in small envelopes neatly organized by the year he had taken them throughout the years he was active in NASBP. Vince’s photo archives, which he donated to the Association, saved the day! NASBP used photos that Vince had taken of several NASBP past presidents in the NASBP 75th Anniversary booklet and exhibit.

Vince was born on July 22, 1929, to Joseph and Lillian (Cipriano) Como. He was raised in Cranston, Rhode Island, and married his high school sweetheart Patricia (Sciotti). Vince served in the Korean War and returned to attend the University Of Rhode Island, graduating in 1955. Additionally, he served as a battalion commander at the post in Fairfield where he attained the rank of Lt Colonel.

“Vince was the father of our NASBP automation efforts, very generous with his time and talent in serving many years in various leadership capacities. I will always remember his pleasant disposition and smile. He will be missed.”–Denny Lutz, Sr. Vice President, USI Insurance, St. Louis, MO.

“Vince Como is a first ballot inductee into the ‘Surety Hall of Fame.’ He was a consummate professional who maintained the highest level of professionalism and ethics. He took great care in building strong professional and personal relationships. You could always locate him by following the pleasant aroma wafting from his constantly burning pipe. He and his wife Patty had numerous friends within NASBP, not the least of whom were my parents, who shared many times together away from business. I can’t say enough about how I feel about this man.”–NASBP Past President Brian Driscoll, Lockton Companies, Farmington, CT.

“Mr. Como, Vince, Vinnie, was, despite his roots, a ‘Southern Gentleman.’ He and Miss Pat took the time to mentor myself and my wife in how to conduct ourselves at NASBP events, along with demonstrating volunteer leadership in his various association roles. His dedication and participation at events and board meetings were great examples for all to follow. One of my dearest memories is from a dinner at Mama Gina’s in Palm Desert when I somehow had the opportunity to dine with ‘Mr. & Mrs. Como.’ With my limited upbringing and cultural exposure, I sat confused at the dinner table over all the silverware, particularly the large spoon. By the end of the night, with patient, graceful instruction from Vinnie, I became a master of the ‘pasta spoon.’ Sometimes I get asked why I keep participating with NASBP like I do after all these years, and now that I reflect on the correct answer, I’d have to say it’s because it’s what Vince taught me to do by his example.”–Matthew K. Cashion, Jr.  CIC, CRM, President, The Cashion Company, Little Rock, AR.

“Past President Vince Como was a true gentleman and surety advocate. Vince led by example and always made others, no matter age or experience, feel comfortable in his presence. He will truly be missed.”–Todd Loehnert President, L A Surety Solutions, a division of Alliant, Louisville, KY.

Vince is survived by his wife, Patricia; his son, Scott of Monroe, CT; and his son, Christopher and wife Patricia of Monroe, CT.

A memorial service was held October 7th at St Pius X Church in Fairfield, CT. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Como & Nicholson Fund, which is part of the Fairfield County Community Foundation. You may send a check made out to Fairfield County’s Community Foundation with the Como & Nicholson Fund in the memo field to this address: Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, 40 Richards Ave, Norwalk, CT 06854. Or, if you prefer, you may make a donation online using this link: https://fccf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate, where the Como & Nicholson Fund can be found at the “show all funds list.” For additional info, email: info@FCCFoundation.org.

View the obituary at legacy.com and consider posting memories and condolences for the family.

The NASBP Leadership and staff extend their deepest condolences to Vince’s family and friends.