Joy in educating and sharing art with new generations inspires gift

Professor Vincent Cioffari’s life revolved around teaching. An only child of two college professors, he developed a love of learning and appreciation for art at an early age. As a family, they frequently visited the MFA from their home in Newton, and enjoyed exploring museums throughout the world.

Following his parents’ example, Vincent earned a PhD in mathematics and taught at Assumption College in Worcester for 38 years. A modern Renaissance man, he spoke five languages and studied art, music, literature, and history. Vincent found great joy in educating and sharing his love for museums, including with his wife, Lorraine Vekens. “I’m his best student,” she jokes. Together, they often brought friends and family to the MFA and rarely missed a special exhibition. Vincent particularly enjoyed bringing children for their first museum visit. Lorraine says, “He didn’t have children of his own, so inspiring a love of art in new generations became his legacy.”

Vincent bravely fought leukemia for many years. Sadly, he began to lose his battle shortly after retirement, and it forced him to contemplate his financial legacy. He chose to leave his retirement account to the cultural organizations that meant the most to him: the MFA, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Metropolitan Opera. (This type of gift may be planned for without an attorney simply by filling out a beneficiary designation form with the financial institution that holds the account. It is significantly tax-beneficial, as the assets are removed from one’s taxable estate and the charitable organizations receive the full amount with no tax due.)

When Vincent passed away in 2017, the MFA was deeply honored and grateful to receive his substantial gift. He generously chose to make his gift to the Museum without restriction, providing us with valuable flexibility to use it however it was most needed. Since then, the MFA began offering free admission for New England K–12 teachers, allowing educators to visit frequently and inspire new generations. We hope that Vincent would be glad to know that his gift helped to make expanded access to the MFA possible.