(CAMDEN, NJ) – Family and friends of organ, eye, and tissue donor Vincent Pieczynski of Southampton, NJ, recently gathered at Cooper Norcross University Hospital, which hosted a special tribute honoring Vincent’s life and legacy, for the unveiling of a floragraph memorial portrait that will be featured on OneLegacy’s Donate Life Rose Parade float during the 2027 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, on January 1, 2027. The event brought together Vincent’s loved ones and representatives of Cooper Norcross and NJ Sharing Network to honor his life and the lives saved and enhanced through organ, eye, and tissue donation.
For the past 24 years, OneLegacy’s Donate Life Rose Parade float has been the world’s most visible campaign to inspire people around the world with the powerful message of organ, eye, and tissue donation and transplantation. This year’s float will feature dozens of memorial floragraphs honoring organ, eye, and tissue donors from throughout the United States. Each floragraph replicates a photograph using flowers, seeds, and other organic materials. The Sharing Network Foundation proudly sponsored Vincent’s floragraph and his family’s upcoming trip to the 2027 Rose Parade, with MTF Biologics and Eversight partnering with the Foundation for the floragraph unveiling ceremony.
Vincent, affectionately known as “Vinny Pie,” was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend who made a lasting impression on everyone he met. Vincent was just 14 when he died in June 2024 from injuries sustained in a bicycle accident, one day after graduating from eighth grade. As an organ, eye, and tissue donor, Vincent gave generously to others, saving and enhancing lives through his many gifts.
Born prematurely weighing just 2 pounds, 1 ounce, Vincent was a fighter from the very beginning. He grew into a strong, determined young man with a great sense of humor and an unmistakable sense of who he was.
Vincent loved football and lacrosse and dreamed of playing both sports in high school. Away from the field, he enjoyed spending time with friends, going to the beach and visiting Six Flags. A true “people person,” Vincent could strike up a conversation with anyone. His family remembers how he made others feel special, while his teachers admired his thoughtfulness and insights beyond his years.
Family was at the center of Vincent’s life. He was the cherished son of Michael and Melinda Pieczynski. He shared a special bond with his older brother, Michael “Mikey,” whom he deeply loved and looked up to. Vincent also adored his big sister, Devin, whom he called “Sis.” He also treasured being an uncle to her daughter, Olivia.
Vincent and his mother shared an especially close relationship. They often told each other, “Mommy and Vinny never leave each other,” and she remembers him as her biggest cheerleader. His family found comfort in knowing that his gifts would help others, sharing the heartfelt sentiment that “Vinny’s heart will beat on.”
According to the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN), more than 100,000 Americans – including more than 3,000 New Jerseyans – are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. One organ donor can save up to eight lives, while one tissue donor can enhance the lives of more than 75 people. To learn more or to register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor, visit NJ Sharing Network’s website at www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
PHOTO CAPTION #1
Family, friends, and loves ones of organ, eye, and tissue donor Vincent Felix Pieczynski of Southampton, NJ, recently gathered at Cooper Norcross University Hospital for the unveiling of a floragraph tribute to Vincent that will be featured on OneLegacy’s Donate Life Rose Parade float during the 2027 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California on New Year’s Day. Pictured at the floragraph tribute are:
(Left-to-right) Anne Nicola, Manager of Hospital Development, NJ Sharing Network; Salina Wydo, MD, FACS, Trauma Surgeon and Associate Professor of Surgery at Cooper University Health Care / Cooper Norcross University Hospital; Amy Young, Director of Community and Family Services, NJ Sharing Network; Melinda Pieczynski; Amanda Tibok, Executive Director, Sharing Network Foundation; Carolyn Welsh, President and CEO, NJ Sharing Network; and Paul Jova, Board Member, Sharing Network Foundation.
(Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
PHOTO CAPTION #2
Melinda Pieczynski, mother of organ and tissue donor Vincent Pieczynski, holds a floragraph tribute of her son that will be featured on OneLegacy’s Donate Life Rose Parade float during the 2027 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California on New Year’s Day.
(Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
PHOTO CAPTION #3
The floragraph memorial portrait of organ and tissue donor Vincent Pieczynski will be featured on OneLegacy’s Donate Life Rose Parade float during the 2027 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, on New Year’s Day.
(Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)