Vincent Michael Kaseta was raised in Brockton, Massachusetts, the son of immigrant parents from Lithuania, neither of whom spoke English. His father, a worker in a Brockton shoe factory, died when he was 13 years old. To help support his family, Vince delivered newspapers, set pins in a local bowling alley and established a chicken delivery business in which he took orders door-to-door in his neighborhood, purchased the live birds from farmers and then delivered them to his customers. In high school, Vince distinguished himself with exceptional athletic skill as an end on the Brockton Boxers football team. As a senior, he led a talented Brockton team to an undefeated 10-0 season and the state title and, in recognition of his talent, Vince was selected as the Massachusetts High School Player of the Year. Though widely recruited by most major national football powers, Vince postponed his collegiate athletic career after graduating from Brockton High School in 1946 to serve his nation by enlisting in the U.S. Army and was ultimately deployed to Japan as a member of the occupational forces in that country. In addition to his military duty, Vince was recruited to play on the highly acclaimed First Cavalry Division football team which was comprised of many of the best college players then serving in the Army of Occupation, including members of the 1944 National Champion West Point team. At the conclusion of his 2-year military commitment, Vince accepted an athletic scholarship to attend and play football for the University of Tennessee and its legendary coach, General Bob Neyland. Though a gifted and fleet receiver, the run-first offense employed by Coach Neyland required tenacious blockers to clear the running lanes. Vince took great pride in excelling in this most physical aspect of the game and was instrumental in the success achieved by the prolific Tennessee offense. His work ethic earned the admiration of Coach Neyland who, in a quote, referred to Vince as "pound-for-pound, the toughest blocking end in the SEC". In addition to his skill as a blocker, Vince provided a significant contribution as a receiver. As the starting right end on the 1950 Volunteer squad, Vince led all receivers with three touchdown catches. His contributions helped propel the team to an 11-1 record, a #4 national ranking by the Associated Press, and the selection to play the University of Texas in the Cotton Bowl, which Tennessee won 20-14 in a thrilling contest. The legendary 1951 Tennessee team attained even greater success as it went undefeated through its 10 game schedule and was the consensus selection as both the SEC and national champions. A team co-captain, Vince also led the team with eight catches for 79 yards, with four of those receptions culminating in touchdowns. In the post-season Sugar Bowl, Tennessee was defeated by Maryland 28-13. Vince finished his Tennessee career with 19 catches for 257 yards and seven touchdowns in an era when passing the football was still a relative novelty. He was selected by the New York Yanks in the 16th round of the 1952 NFL draft, one of eight Volunteers drafted that season. Following graduation from UT, Vince married the former Marie McNulty of Milton, Massachusetts in August, 1952. In addition to Marie, Vince is survived by his four children, Vincent Michael Kaseta II, Steven Kaseta, Maureen Kaseta, and Matthew Kaseta.

Funeral Home:
Cartmell Funeral Home
150 Court St.
Plymouth, MA
US 02360