Milford veteran Jay Vican remembered for service, family and community

The Milford native served as a U.S. Army combat engineer before returning home to build a family, a 42-year telecommunications career and a record of community service

MILFORD, Del. — Antony J. “Jay” Vican Jr., a Milford native whose life included service in the U.S. Army, more than four decades in the telecommunications industry and years of volunteer work in his hometown, died Friday, Sept. 18. He was 81.

Vican was born Oct. 19, 1944, in Milford to Antony and Betty Tucker-Slote Vican and graduated from Milford High School in 1963.

Service to his country

A year after graduating, Vican entered the U.S. Army, serving from 1964 to 1967 as a combat engineer.

Combat engineers have long filled a demanding role in the Army, supporting troops by building and maintaining routes and defensive positions, overcoming obstacles and performing other engineering work needed for military operations.

Vican’s military service came during the Vietnam War era, when the United States was rapidly expanding its military commitment overseas. His obituary does not specify where he was stationed or deployed, so Milford LIVE is not attributing a particular campaign or combat deployment to his service.

His three years in uniform, however, were part of a lifetime marked by service — first to his country and later to his family, profession and community.

A life built in Milford

Shortly after completing his Army service, Vican married Barbara Lee Boswell in Milford on Nov. 25, 1967.

The couple built their life and family with deep roots in the Milford community. Barbara preceded him in death.

Vican went on to spend 42 years in telecommunications, working through an era of enormous change in the industry. His career began with Diamond State Telephone Co. and continued through Bell Atlantic and Verizon. He retired in 2010.

His commitment to the telephone industry extended beyond his job. Vican was an active member and volunteer with the Telephone Pioneers, an organization with a long tradition of community service among current and retired telecommunications employees.

He also volunteered with the Milford Lions Club, continuing a connection to service in the community where he was born, raised and spent much of his life.

Family and a legacy of service

Vican is survived by his son, Darren, and daughter-in-law, Kristen; grandchildren Logan, Kyle, Avery and Chase of Millersville, Maryland; and daughter, Maria Vican of Milford.

He is also survived by his siblings Mary Sue Vican, Mark Vican and his wife, Chris, and Brice Vican and his wife, Julie; and sister-in-law Denise Vican, wife of his late brother, Richard Vican.

His family has asked that those wishing to honor his memory consider supporting two organizations particularly important to him: DFRC and Special Olympics.

To Go

What: Memorial service for Antony J. “Jay” Vican Jr.
When: Saturday, Sept. 26. Friends may arrive beginning at 10 a.m.; the memorial service begins at 11 a.m.
Where: Rogers Funeral Home, 301 Lakeview Ave., Milford
Memorial donations: The family suggests contributions to DFRC or Special Olympics in lieu of flowers.