Generations of kids growing up in Salford will have begged their parents for money before racing into the street after hearing the chimes of Vincent’s ice cream van.
Known as ‘Vinny’, Peter Schiavo (senior) spent over 60-years selling ice lollies, 99s, and screwballs on Salford’s streets. Born into an ice cream family in Ancoats, his own father Vincenzo Schiavo was the original Vincent whose name emblazoned the family’s vans.
“It’s most people’s childhood in Salford. Anybody who has been a kid in Salford will have got an ice cream from my dad,” said Peter, ‘Vinny’s’ son.
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Sadly ‘Vinny’ passed away earlier this year on May 25, aged 88. More than a familiar face around Salford, he became something of a local legend thanks to his cheerful personality beaming from the hatch of his ice cream van, and a reputation built of years of kindness.
Together with his brothers Gerry and Carmine, who also operated Vincent’s ice cream vans, they brought smiles to the faces of Salford’s children. Peter describes his dad as ‘the ultimate family man’ – somebody who lived for his work and for his family.
But that’s not where ‘Vinny’s’ generosity ended. Countless people who grew up in Salford remember receiving an ice cream from his van even when their parents didn’t have the money.
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Following his death earlier this year, many came forward to tell Peter how generous his dad was. It was a deep-rooted kindness Peter knew all too well, but even he was surprised by some of the stories that have since come to light.
One woman sent a message to Peter after hearing about his dad’s death. She wrote: “He is, was and will forever be the most wonderful human on the planet. I’ll never forget his kindness and generosity, his love and light he brought me as a child, he’s truly one in a million – I’m beyond grateful to have had him as part of my life.”
The woman goes on to recount her own difficult childhood, and how her mum struggled as a single parent. “Your dad never ever let me go without when he saw just how hard times were for my mum. The love and respect I have for him will never be enough for what he did for me as a child,” she added.
‘Vinny’ worked as an ice cream man in Salford until he was 73. Following a bout of ill health, he silenced his chimes and passed on his commitment to keep serving soft scoops to Salford to his family.
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A lifelong Manchester City fan, ‘Vinny’ died on FA Cup final day this year, before seeing his beloved team lose to local rivals Manchester United. “He dodged a bullet on that one,” Peter laughs.
Earlier this year, Peter took to the popular Salford History Facebook group to tell people his dad had passed. But even he wasn’t prepared for the outpouring of fond memories and stories the post sparked.
“The response was just unreal,” Peter said. “He helped a lot of people out, which we only found out since he died actually.
“It’s been really comforting to tell you the truth.”
Peter’s post about his dad attracted over a thousand likes and nearly 500 comments from Salfordians who wanted to pay their respects and share their memories of ‘Vinny’.
Annette Graham, posted: “Thank you Vinny – aka Pete – for being the Best Ice Cream Man in the World. Your energy, enthusiasm and screwballs changed my life. Please serve the Good Lord a 99 with extra raspberry sauce from me, and keep your merry bells jingling in Heaven”.
Vivienne Aisha Dembélé, posted: “Many happy memories as a child, visiting my grandma on a Saturday. We sat at her kitchen table waiting for Vinny to come. When we heard the jingle jangle of his ice cream van, the excitement was tangible. He was lovely and kind, and I know how much you’ll miss him.”
Malcolm Ross, commented: “[I] remember appearing on the local news when Vinny was banned by Salford Grammar School from selling outside the school gates. Pupils were told they had to use the tuck shop, but still supported Vinny”.
Malcolm’s comment was in reference to a story that appeared in the Manchester Evening News in June 1961. Mr Eric Simm, the then headmaster of Salford Grammar School, banned the Schiavo family from selling ice cream outside of the school.
The headmaster imposed the ban to prevent boys from “rushing out to buy ice cream before finishing their dinner.” However, the M.E.N reported that many of the boys defied the ban, and eventually it was lifted following “peace talks” at the school.
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Back on the Salford History group, Rebocka Clocka said: “I can relate to all these wonderful comments. I’ve got such lovely memories of Vinny as a child. He knew the names of all the kids on my avenue. Such a lovely, kind man. Vinny absolutely deserves some kind of memorial in Salford.”
While Carl Davison posted: “This guy is a legend, in fact his entire family are. They are a shining example of the best of Salford and I think he should be given the honour of being included on Salford City Council’s Famous Salfordians page for both his and his family’s years of commitment and service to the youth of Salford which goes beyond being just ice cream men.”
Adding: “They would bring a little happiness to those kids in Salford whose families were sadly unfortunate enough to be on the breadline. Something generations of Salford kids can attest to as they grew up in the city.”
Comforted by the supportive messages and fond memories, Peter added: “He knew pretty much everybody in Salford, me dad. From the good and the bad and everything in between. He treated everybody the same, whether you had money or didn’t have money.
“His mantra was ‘no kid goes without’. It stood with them for the rest of their lives”.
Does this story awaken any memories for you? Let us know in the comments section below.
